Recycling electrical equipment

As retailers of electrical and electronic products, both John Lewis and Waitrose fully support this regulation, and we have joined together with some of the UK’s leading electrical retailers to create and fund a new body - the Distributor Take-Back (DTS) scheme - which is helping to develop a new UK recycling network for waste electrical products.

Over the next three years the scheme will make available more than £10 million to establish and upgrade recycling facilities across the UK, so that customers can conveniently recycle old electrical appliances.

For the latest information on waste and recycling at Waitrose and John Lewis visit www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk (this link opens in a new window).

What you need to know

From 1 July 2007, the UK’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations allow members of the public to deposit old electrical and electronic items at recycling sites across the UK, free of charge.

Q: Why should I recycle my old electrical and electronic products?
A: This is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the UK and our landfill sites are reaching full capacity. Much of this waste can be recycled and the resources recovered to make new consumer goods. We all have a part to play in protecting our environment for future generations.

Q: How can I recycle my old electrical and electronic products?
A: To find your nearest recycling sites for waste electrical and electronic products contact your local council or visit www.recycle-more.co.uk (this link opens in a new window) and type your postcode into the recycling bank locator. You will also find advice and tips on the website about how to recycle waste electrical goods and other household items, making it quick and easy for you to recycle more.

Q: How will I know whether the new products I buy can be recycled?
A: All new electrical and electronic products sold now carry a ‘crossed out wheelie bin’ symbol to help you identify which products are recyclable. You do not have to have purchased new electrical and electronic equipment to be able to recycle your old equipment.

Q: Will John Lewis and Waitrose accept my old electrical and electronic items back in-store?
A: No, unfortunately John Lewis and Waitrose are unable to accept old appliances back in-store. We do not have a legal obligation to do so and will instead be contributing to the funding of an alternative network of recycling points. Contact your local council or use the website above to locate your nearest recycling bank for WEEE. Your local John Lewis or Waitrose store also has more information on the collection facilities available to you in your local area.

Q: Will John Lewis still offer a collection service for large electrical products?
A: John Lewis and Waitrose Food and Home will continue to offer collection services for large white electrical goods and some other large electricals. There will be a small charge for this service. Your local branch can provide details. The regulations do not give you entitlement to free collection of WEEE from your home. Local Authority bulky waste collections and collection by the Charitable and Voluntary Sector remain unaffected.

Please help us to minimise the effect we all have on the environment by recycling your waste electrical and electronic products.

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