Q3 2022 WEEE Compliance Collection Data

The largest stream specific shortfalls are in Cooling (69% of the annual target or 8% short of the pro-rata target), Large Household Appliances (LHA) (67% of the annual target or 10% short of the pro-rata target) and PV Panels (66% of the annual target or 12% short of the pro-rata target). Only Display is currently ahead of the pro-rata target, by 3%.

Louise Grantham, Chief Executive of REPIC, the largest WEEE producer compliance scheme responds to Q3 2022 WEEE collection data: “The total household WEEE collections to Q3 2022 are 69% of the 2022 target, or 7% below the pro-rata target. Historically, Q4 collections tend to be the lowest in the year so it currently seems unlikely the targets will be met, particularly with the impact the cost of living crisis has had, and is expected to continue to have, on the amount of EEE placed on the market.

“Whilst there is not always a direct causal link between WEEE collections and EEE placed on the market, the impact on disposable income is likely to make householders more cautious in both their spending and disposal decisions.

“If compliance schemes are unable to meet their targets through collection, a compliance fee methodology that reflects the impact of the current very difficult market conditions will be important if we are to avoid undue financial burden on producers, and ultimately the consumer. The proposed JTA compliance fee methodology, which includes a cost-of-living adjustment should conditions indicate it is appropriate to use this, meets this requirement well.”

WEEE compliance: Stream specific analysis and understanding shortfalls

While a combination of factors makes it unlikely that collections will recover sufficiently in Q4 to meet the target. The Q3 shortfalls – 8% and 10% respectfully for LHA and Cooling – indicate there remains a significant amount of LHA collected and treated outside the WEEE system due to its inherent value and the likely impact of a 16% reduction in Cooling EEE POM YTD to Q3 2022 when compared to 2021.

WEEE compliance: Shortfall in LHA collections

Scrap metal prices have remained at a level in 2022 that has resulted in this trend continuing. In addition, the amount of EEE POM YTD in 2022 is 13% lower than in 2021.

WEEE compliance: Shortfall in Cooling collections

Cooling EEE POM YTD to Q3 2022 has fallen by 16% when compared to 2021, and whilst there is not always a direct causal link between WEEE collections and the amount of EEE placed on the market, the impact of the cost of living crisis on disposable income is likely to make householders more cautious in their spending and disposal decisions.

WEEE compliance: Current forecast for Q4 and 2022 targets

It seems unlikely that collections will recover sufficiently in Q4 to meet the 2022 target, with Q4 collections historically the lowest quarterly collection. Therefore, a compliance fee methodology that reflects the impact of the current very difficult market conditions will be important. The proposed JTA compliance fee methodology, which includes a cost of living adjustment meets this requirement well.

A look back on 2021 WEEE compliance performance can be reviewed here.