How does it work? [2] & [3]

• The drinks manufacturer adds a 10p deposit to the price of every bottle or can with a maximum capacity of 500ml and 30p for bottles or cans with a larger capacity sold to the retailer.
• The retailer then adds the 10p to the price to the consumer.
• The consumer (or if someone picks up the bottle or can from the street) collects the 10p deposit when he/she returns the bottle or can to the retailer or supermarket
• The retailer reclaims the 10p deposits when they return the container to the manufacturer/distributor
• The manufacturer/distributor then gets the money from selling the containers for recycling.

Impacts of a bottle deposit scheme

A reduction of litter

Through introducing a bottle deposit scheme by legislation, the amount of litter could decrease dramatically.  Container deposits are neutral for consumers who recycle, penalise people who litter and provide an incentive for people to pick up litter.  A deposit scheme would achieve a change in consumer awareness, particularly in tackling rural and roadside litter, as fines do not have big impacts.

In Denmark it has become a custom for students at parties and social gatherings to leave behind their bottles or cans brought with them.  This allows the host to recover the deposit paid by his/her guests and is often an alternative to charging people an entry fee.

Table 1 illustrates how the amount of litter has been reduced in selected states across the USA after the introduction of a bottle deposit scheme.  It should be noted the time period over which the reduction was achieved is not published [4].

Potential to increase the U.K’s low recycling rates

The U.K currently only recycles 48% of its aluminium drinks cans.  Compared to countries that operate deposit schemes, namely, Denmark [a], Finland, Germany, Norway and Sweden, this rate of recycling is small.  These countries achieve recycling rates of 85-91%.  It has been estimated that the U.K could achieve similar recycling rates [5].

With regards to bottles recycled, the citizens of the U.K use 13 billion plastic bottles each year.  Of these only 35% are recycled, which is less than half the recycling rate of other European countries that have bottle recycling rates of 75% [6]. Having the right equipment to aid recycling in the home and the workplace is important, such as a designated recycling bin

Savings in cleaning costs

In terms of savings in cleaning costs, a report commissioned by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) claims that the cost of running the scheme would be funded by unclaimed deposits and the public sector would save £160 million per year in cleaning costs [7].

Jobs

Additional research by the CPRE shows that over 4,000 full time equivalent green jobs could be created by a U.K deposit refund scheme for drinks containers.  The new CPRE report entitled From waste to work: the potential of a deposit refund scheme to create jobs in the U.K, also found that in addition to generating thousands of green jobs similar to current waste collection and processing occupations, the deposit scheme would generate between 353-393 higher-paid maintenance and engineering jobs and a further 100 office-based administration positions needed to run the scheme.  This central office should be situated somewhere in the U.K and could be targeted towards an area with high unemployment.

In March, 2011 research from IPSOS-MORI, a leading political social and business research company, showed how a deposit scheme could raise £432 million in voluntary donations for local charities and Big Society organisations [8].

Conclusion

For the younger generation of Britain it is not a well-known fact that the U.K actually did have a bottle deposit scheme some 20 years ago.  Although this did not last for long, it is important that we recognise that times have changed and we find ourselves in an age where environmental consciousness is rapidly growing.  It may, therefore, be time to re-use the old plan just like we re-use old bottles and cans.

[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/sep/17/in-praise-of-bottle-deposits

[2] http://litterheroes.co.uk/bottlebill.htm

[3] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/16/bottle-tin-deposit-scheme-cpre

[4] See [2]

[5] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11322567

[6] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3795997/Bottle-deposit-scheme-could-reduce- litter-and-boost-recycling.html

[7] http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/sep/17/in-praise-of-bottle-deposits

[8] http://www.cpre.org.uk/what-we-do/energy-and-waste/litter-and-fly-tipping/update/item/2370-research-shows-a-bottle-deposit-scheme-would-create-over-4000-jobs.  This website contains a link to the report.

[a] For an overview of the Danish deposit scheme please see http://www.dansk-retursystem.dk/composite-166.htm.

]]> https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/the-bottle-deposit-scheme/feed/ 0 https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/plastic-bags-time-for-legislation/ https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/plastic-bags-time-for-legislation/#comments Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:33:30 +0000 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/?p=336 Continue reading →]]> The latest figures reveal that, after a number of years of decline, plastic bag use has increased again. Although it has been avoided before, is it now time to face legislation on plastic bags in the UK?

Each year millions of plastic shopping bags are improperly disposed of and cause severe harm to the environment. These plastic bags are extremely durable, which may be good for carrying your shopping, but means they are very slow to decompose (up to 1000 years). As they decompose, toxic chemicals leach from the plastic bags into soils, lakes, rivers and oceans, causing environmental damage. Furthermore, plastic bags are one of the most common types of litter in inhabited areas; not only do they become an eyesore, they can also block drainage systems and contribute to flooding. Additionally, more and more of these plastic bags are being found floating in oceans. Plastic bags washed out to sea pose a threat to marine life; the bags can strangle wildlife or cause choking if ingested [1].

In 2006, nearly 11 billion single-use plastic bags were used in England, becoming a major environmental issue. Despite support from many sides, the government decided against a ban or tax on the bags, instead allowing retailers to create a voluntary agreement. The voluntary agreement initially helped to cut the number of plastic bags used. By 2009, plastic bag use was down by roughly 40% to fewer than 6.5 billion. However, latest figures from the government’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) show that in 2010, bag use rose by about 5% to 6.8 billion, suggesting that the agreement had only a limited success (see following table) [2].

Is legislation the answer?

No:

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) blamed the increase in plastic bag use on rising sales and shoppers making more short trips to stores rather than a single big weekly shop [3].

Bob Gordon (head of environment at the BRC) said: “It’s encouraging to see the majority of consumers are continuing to reuse their carrier bags and are taking as few new bags as possible. We urge customers to keep that up, particularly when changing shopping habits, including more trips to stores, present a challenge to maintaining the progress made in recent years” [4].

Gordon is against plastic bag legislation, especially in these difficult financial times. He believes that “customers are changing their habits without the need for compulsory bag bans or charges” and went on to say that “the overall numbers remain the sort of result other environmental campaigns can only dream of”. Gordon concluded that “retailers, working with consumers, will continue to do all they can to drive down the number of carrier bags being given out wherever possible but it’s time to accept bags are not the be-all and end-all of environmental issues” [4].

Yes:

The Green Party doesn’t agree. They believe that the only way to achieve a “serious and sustainable decrease” in plastic bag use is by introducing government legislation – a compulsory 10 pence tax on every plastic bag used [5].

A spokesperson said: “From the oil-based materials used in their production to the vast numbers lying as waste in open landfill sites, damaging wildlife and disfiguring public spaces, the Green Party will be glad to see plastic bags disappear” [5].

Recycling Minister Lord Henley said that “retailers need to take responsibility and lift their game to cut down on the number of single use carrier bags they hand out” and stated that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is seriously considering legislation to force supermarkets to stop handing out bags [5].

Legislation in the UK

A number of countries are implementing bag reduction strategies and there is proof in the UK that legislation works.

The latest WRAP figures showed a decline in the number of plastic bags used in Northern Ireland and Wales, the two countries that have introduced legislation to cut plastic bag use. However, plastic bag use has risen in England and Scotland, where no such legislation is in place. Between 2009 and 2010, Northern Ireland and Wales saw plastic bag use drop by 14% and 7%, respectively. However, plastic bag use in England and Scotland rose by 7% and 9%, respectively [4].

It is believed that the imminent 5 pence charge for plastic shopping bags in Wales, starting this October, helped cut the bag use in 2010. John Griffiths, Welsh environment minister, believes that legislation is the best way to drive down plastic bag use because voluntary agreements with retailers do not achieve enough. He said that a carrier bag charge is “the only way to ensure a real and lasting reduction in the use of carrier bags” [2].

Conclusion

Since the latest WRAP figures show that the voluntary agreement has not produced a continued decrease in plastic bag use and since legislation has clearly worked in other countries in the UK, I think it is only a matter of time until England faces a plastic bag tax. I’m sure there will soon be an increase in schemes trying to reduce plastic bag use, such as money-back schemes for those re-using shopping bags or labelling plastic bags with information that discourages their use (e.g. labelling plastic bags with the length of time they take to biodegrade). Furthermore, the decision to introduce legislation will be even easier if the bag tax in Wales is a success.

References

[1] http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/09/0902_030902_plasticbags.html

[2] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jul/28/plastic-bag-rise

[3] http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/analysis/2097766/defra-rein-supermarkets-drifting-plastic-bag-targets

[4] http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/plastic-bag-usage-on-the-up-wrap-figures-show/

[5] http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/analysis/2097766/defra-rein-supermarkets-drifting-plastic-bag-targets

]]> https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/plastic-bags-time-for-legislation/feed/ 0 https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/over-packaged/ https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/over-packaged/#comments Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:05:37 +0000 http://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/learning-portal/?p=61 Continue reading →]]> Food, electronic goods, furniture, plants, cosmetics…everything is packaged, double packaged and even in some cases triple packaged! Associated energy consumption during the production and disposal of packaging can contribute considerably to carbon emissions and increase any carbon footprint.

Companies and organisations have been given greater responsibility for the total environmental impact of their products and services including how they are packaged. These companies or organisations handling packaging are obliged to pay a proportion of the associated cost for recovery and recycling of their packaging [1]. As well as complying with regulation, those choosing to reduce and improve the quality (i.e. ability to be reused) of their packaging can benefit from reduced material usage, costs and energy consumption [2].

Packaging Regulations

Producers of packaging are regulated by:

• The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2005 [3]
• The Packaging (Essential Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 [4]

Who is responsible?

Under the packaging regulations those companies or organisations handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging per annum or with a turnover greater than £2 million are obliged to take responsibility for the final disposal of their packaging. Those ‘handling’ packaging include: raw material manufacturers, converters, packers/fillers, sellers and importers of packaging [5].

Responsibility also lies with consumers. When purchasing a product or service the consumer must be aware of the quantity of packaging and the correct method for disposal.

Packaging Obligations

Those who fall under the Packaging regulations are obliged to meet a proportion of the associated cost for recovery and recycling of their packaging [1]. Relinquishing this obligation can be achieved in a variety of ways:

1. Joining a packaging compliance scheme. The Environment Agency provides a comprehensive list of schemes [6].
2. Individual route.
3. Allocation method based on annual turnover.

As well as disposal obligations, the weight and volume of the packaging used must be minimal, and heavy metal content is also restricted [7].

It should be noted that non compliance is a criminal offence [8].

Packaging design for the environment

The best approach to packaging is a proactive approach. Incorporating end-of-life considerations (e.g. recycling and reuse) into the design and production of packaging can minimise energy consumption, materials and additional costs. For the most effective proactive approach the following should be considered during design and production of packaging: Reusability, Biodegradability, Recyclability, Sustainability and Reduction of Materials [7].

An example of packaging minimisation

Tesco were recently awarded the Green Retailer of the year for improvements to their alcoholic drinks packaging. By reducing the weight of wine bottles by 30%, 560 tonnes of glass are saved annually. Other packaging reductions have been implemented within the store by increasing the concentrations of products (e.g. squash) and removing secondary packaging where unnecessary [9] [10].

Why not take a look at our store for products that are all accredited to the highest environmental standards?

[1] www.valpak.co.uk (2010)

[2] www.businesslink.gov.uk(2010)

[3] http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20053468.htm (2005).

[4] http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2009/uksi_20091504_en_1 (2009).

[5] www.netregs.gov.uk(2010)

[6] npwd.environment-agency.gov.uk (2010)

[7] www.businesslink.gov.uk (2010)

[8] www.berr.gov.uk (2006).

[9] www.energysavingtrust.org.uk (2010).

[10] www.tesco.com (2010)

Further information on relinquishing this responsibility and complying with packaging regulations can be found at the following:

Packaging Environmental Ltd: http://www.packagingenvironmental.co.uk/

A.M Associates: http://www.environmentalpackaging.co.uk/

EPI: http://www.enviro-pac.com/

Packaging regulations: http://www.valpak.co.uk/nav/page1542.aspx

Material Change for a better Environment: http://www.wrap.org.uk/

Business Link: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1076439134&type=RESOURCES

Environmental Packaging International (EPI): http://www.enviro-pac.com/Packglobal.htm

Energy Saving Trust: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Waste-recycling/Supermarket-praised-for-packaging-reductions/(energysavingtrust)/603538

The Global Ecolabelling Network describes an ecolabel as; “a label which identifies overall environmental preference of a product or service within a specific product/service category based on life cycle considerations.” To ensure legitimacy of the ecolabel a third party determines the specific environmental criteria and awards certification by display of a standardised logo.

Displaying an ecolabel allows producers to demonstrate the environmental considerations that have been incorporated into a product or service. A number of general ecolabels exist and their uptake is primarily voluntary. The European Ecolabel is one such scheme and is demonstrated by a flower logo. Products and services are grouped e.g. appliances, paper products, tourist accommodation, and each group dictates its own criteria to achieve certification [1].

The ecolabel also aids the decision making process of the environmentally conscious consumer towards a product or service meeting their own environmental criteria. One example of a well established ecolabel is the Forestry Stewardship Scheme (FSC) UK (“tick tree logo”). Those producing and/or utilising timber products for retail once certified to FSC social and environmental standards, can display the logo on their products. For those purchasing timber products, the FSC label allows you to be assured of the environmental credibility of that product [2].

The benefits of displaying an ecolabel on a product or service are threefold to producer, consumer and the environment. Consumers choosing to purchase products or services displaying an ecolabel will only further drive environmental responsibility amongst producers. Those producers choosing to display their environmental responsibility may see benefits in growing market advantage compared to those producers who do not [3]. However the world of ecolabelling can appear confusing with ecolabelling.org [4], identifying worldwide, 325 current logos and schemes.

All the products in our store have been accredited to the highest environmental standards and come with various ‘ecolabels’.

[1] EUROPA: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/ (2010)

[2] http://www.fsc-uk.org/ (2010)

[3] Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) : http://www.globalecolabelling.net/ (2010)

[4] http://ecolabelling.org/ (2010)

International Institute for Sustainable Development: http://www.iisd.org/standards/ecolabelling.asp (2007)

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): http://ecolabel.defra.gov.uk/ (2010)

The European Eco-label Catalogue: http://www.eco-label.com/default.htm (2010)

Use less material

Using less material is relatively easy to do with proper thought and product design.  It also lessens the cost of materials used as you will be using less, and in some instances packaging becomes lighter.  This means that transport costs are reduced, as less transportation and thus fuel is required to move products around.  Some ways to use less material are suggested below.

• Use less material by reducing the thickness and weight of packaging.  This can be done by using lighter weight materials.  Sturdy packaging is not always necessary if the product is only making one trip i.e. from shop to home.
• Assess the number of layers to your packaging.  Are they all necessary?  If not, take some out.
• Make sure your packaging fits the contents.  More often than not, there are unnecessary gaps which serve no fit purpose.  Sometimes these gaps are filled with packing materials so the product inside isn’t damaged.  If the packaging was the right size in the first place these packing materials would not be required.
• Consider printing directly onto packaging so extra labels aren’t needed.
• Speak to your packaging supplier, new innovations in more sustainable packaging are always being developed.

Use recycled materials

With improvements in the types of packaging that can now be recycled, this also means that you can increase the amount of recycled materials in your packaging.   By incorporating recycled materials into your packaging you are inadvertently using less raw materials and are therefore reducing energy consumption from the start.

Use sustainable materials

The raw materials to make packaging are ultimately derived from natural sources.  The table below shows examples of where certain packaging has its roots.  Because raw materials use a lot of energy to gather them and convert them into packaging, it is even more important that the materials come from sustainable sources.

Source: Woodman-Hardy (2010)

Make it reusable

This is a good thing to do from an environmental perspective.  If packaging is reusable then it can mean using fewer raw materials, less packaging going to landfill or incineration and no energy being used for recycling [2].  If you choose to have reusable packaging, there are several points to consider:

• Ensure the packaging is cleaned properly
• Reuse packaging for the same product
• Consider how packaging will be reclaimed and reused, including transportation.
• Ensure you have a reuse plan and that it is adhered to.  This will minimise non-returns and single use.

Make it recyclable

Most local authorities have invested in proper recycling facilities either by providing bins at local supermarkets or incorporating recycling into their own refuse collections.  Therefore, it is really important that your product can be recycled.  It is a bonus that many more materials are now recyclable and should help in planning what packaging materials to use.  Here are some ideas to ensure your packaging is recyclable:

• Try to make your packaging from a single material.  Packaging made from multiple materials are notoriously difficult to recycle and use more energy in the process e.g. Tetra-Paks and mixed plastics.
• If there is space, ensure that the type of packaging is labelled on the outside of the product.  This will aid sorting packaging when recycling.
• Advertise recycling on the outside of your product to encourage the consumer to recycle the packaging.

References

[1] Business Link (2010) Packaging and the environment – the basics  http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1082980567&type=RESOURCES

[2] Reduce Reuse Recycle (2006) Soil Association

Other useful links

Incpen http://www.incpen.org/displayarticle.asp?a=17&c=2

Welsh Assembly Government http://fs4b.wales.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?site=230&itemId=1082988498&type=RESOURCES

Unilever  http://www.unilever.com/sustainability/environment/packaging/issues/

Defra http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/producer/packaging/index.htm

WRAP  http://www.wrap.org.uk/retail/the_guide_to_evolving_packaging_design/index.html

Biodegradable packaging is increasingly being used by companies to package their products.  For example, some shops will have ‘biodegradable’ bags which aren’t as degradable as you might think.  Biodegradable packaging generally covers plastics and some paper based materials.  It can be used for:

• Compostable waste bags
• Carrier bags
• Biodegradable mulch film (which can be ploughed back into the field)
• Catering products
• Film packaging (for short shelf life products)
• Rigid packaging (for bottles and containers)

Types of Biodegradable Packaging

There are three main types of biodegradable packaging described below.

Degradable

Degradable packaging has metal additives added to break down the plastic over a period of time.  Degradable packaging is also known as ‘oxo-degradable’.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable packaging usually consists of a biological component such as starch, cellulose and other plant fibres.  This means it can be broken down biologically by microbes.

Compostable

Composting is a managed process that involves the biological decomposition and transformation of biodegradable material to produce carbon dioxide, water, minerals and organic matter (compost or humus) [1].  Compostable differs from biodegradable as the end product is compost.  Products made from compostable plastic are tested and are able to bio-degrade within six months.  However not all materials can be composted at home, some require high temperatures to break down, that are only possible in commercial composting systems [2].

A European Standard for Compostable and Biodegradable Packaging: EN13432

This is a European standard for packaging that is recoverable through composting and biodegradation.  It is a legally binding standard in all EU member states.  This means that in order to claim packaging is compostable, the standard has to be met and proof of compliance has to be demonstrated through a certification company.   The certification company will make sure that the following items are checked for consistency with the EN13432 standard:

• Disintegration
• Biodegradability
• Absence of any negative effect on the composting process
• Low levels of heavy metals (Potentially Toxic Elements) and no adverse effect of the quality of compost produced.

Other points to consider with biodegradable packaging

• A study by Loughborough University highlighted the uncertainty about the impact of the plastics on the natural environment when they begin to break down into smaller pieces [3].  Degradable plastic is hydrophobic (has little or no affinity for water) and may attract other hydrophobic particles – including pesticides and heavy metals – which can lead to bioaccumulation of toxic substances [4].
• Genetic Modification (GM) is a controversial environmental subject and it must be noted that there is some biodegradable packaging from the United States which is derived from GM crops.
• Intensive farming practices (large scale crops reliant on pesticides and fertilisers derived from fossil fuels) are generally used to produce the biological ingredients in bioplastics.
• Most biodegradable packaging currently ends up in landfill.  Unfortunately when biodegradable packaging breaks down in landfill, it is usually under anaerobic conditions (without oxygen).  This produces the harmful greenhouse gas methane.
• A large proportion of certified compostable plastic products available on the market today contain a high proportion of renewable raw materials [5].  Using renewable raw materials to make plastic is better than using fossil fuels.
• The biodegradation of compostable plastics is dependent on three main factors: elevated temperature, humidity and the abundance of microbes [5].   Therefore quick biodegradation will only happen in the presence of all these criteria at the same time.  Thus commercial composting is the only likely way that some compostable products will be broken down into a compost product.
• Currently no UK local authority will accept bioplastic packaging in the organic waste collection, except kitchen caddy liners, due to the risk of contamination with conventional plastics [6].
• Oxo-degradable plastics are not suitable for recycling with main-stream plastics [1]. The recyclate will contain additives that will make the recycled plastic more susceptible to degradation.

References

[1] Loughborough University (2010) Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Oxodegradable Plastics Across Their Life Cycle  http://www.european-bioplastics.org/media/files/docs/en-reviews/EV0422_8858_FRP.pdf

[2]  Soil Association (2006) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: A Guide to Minimising the Environmental Impact of Packaging.  http://www.soilassociation.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=jusGScfbhRU%3d&tabid=353

[3]  The Environmentalist. Issue 95, April 2010. IEMA

[4] Association for Organics Recycling (2010) http://www.organics-recycling.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=107:introduction&catid=40:packaging-a-certification&Itemid=76

[5]  European Bioplastics (2008) Bioplastics FAQs http://www.european-bioplastics.org/index.php?id=191

[6] WRAP (2009) Biopolymer Briefing http://www.wrap.org.uk/downloads/Biopolymer_briefing_26_jan_09_final1.1d07f394.4907.pdf

The Disadvantages of Carrier Bags

Generally, the useful life of a carrier bag is the matter of minutes that it take to transport your shopping back to your home [2], which is why approximately 300 bags are used annually by the average household.  This can equate to more than 25,000 bags in a lifetime which will, more often than not, either end up on a landfill or littering our countryside and oceans [3]. Considering that carrier bags can take up to 1000 years to degrade, they can pose a considerable threat to wildlife [4].  This is especially true in the marine environment where an estimated one million birds and 100,000 marine mammals die every year as a result of entanglement in, or ingestion of, plastics.  It is thought that seabeds can  contain as many as 80 plastic items per hectare [5] so it is not surprising that a Minke whale stranded on a Normandy beach was found to contain 800g of plastic within its stomach (including two English supermarket carrier bags).  The production of carrier bags uses precious oil resources that are rapidly being depleted and the production, decomposition and disposal of carrier bags release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere [6].  Carrier bags can also clog drains which may lead to flooding and promote disease.

The Response

The UK’s leading supermarkets have introduced charges for single-use carrier bags in order to promote the re-use of these or “bags for life”.  With the help of consumers, there has been an overall  reduction of 4.6 billion carrier bags per year which compares to 45,800 tonnes of plastic a year.  Since 2006 there has been reduction by 41% in the total  number of bags given out (including single-use carrier bags, “bags for life” and reusable bags such as cotton and jute) which is a reduction of 6.5 billion per year, and consequently a reduction of 39,700 tonnes of material used in bags a year.  The Republic of Ireland introduced a 15 cent charge per bag in 2002, and has cut carrier bag consumption by over 90%.  The Welsh Assembly has indicated that they may introduce a mandatory 7p charge per carrier in the near future, so it is highly likely that other parts of the UK will follow suit shortly.

What You Can Do

To prepare you for the possibility of carrier bag bans and charges, there are a variety of measures you can take to save you money and help the environment:

• Reuse your carrier bags – Take your carrier bags with you next time you go shopping as they can be used several times (even if they are bio-degradable!)
• Use your “bag for life”  – Available from most shops for around 10p, these bags are durable and can be used many times.  When it eventually wears out, the cashier will issue you a new one and the worn one shall be recycled by the supermarket.  Try keeping your bags in your car to stop you forgetting them!
• Recycle your carrier bags – If you have no use for your single-use carrier bags, most supermarkets have recycling collection bins.  If you receive your shopping by home delivery, your driver should take them back for you.
• Give your carrier bags to charity – Many charity shops and local independent retailers do not issue their own single-use carriers as packaging costs are too high.  Therefore they can reuse your old carriers by giving them to other customers to fulfil their full potential.
• Use a cotton or jute shopping bag – Use a natural fabric bag as these are more durable and have lower manufacturing impacts on the environment. Alternatively, use a wicker shopping basket as these last for years or invest in a shopping trolley.
• Use boxes – Keep cardboard boxes in your car so you always have something to put your shopping in.  If you don’t have any handy, ask at your supermarket as they always have boxes that aren’t needed lying around.

[1] http://www.wrap.org.uk/media_centre/press_releases/total_carrier_bag.html

[2] http://myzerowaste.com/articles/general/plastic-carrier-bags/

[3]http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/feb/04/plastic-bag-for-life-recycling

[4]http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/environmentandcountryside/2010/100603bags/?lang=en

[5]http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/Issues/2006/July/Editorial.asp

[6]http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A28808490

Electrical and Electronic Equipment covers a wide variety of products. The definition according to WEEE regulations is:

‘equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work properly and equipment for the generation, transfer and measurement of such currents and fields falling under the categories set out in Schedule 1 and designed for use with a voltage rating not exceeding 1,000 volts for alternating current and 1,500 volts for direct current’ [4] [5]. Some exemptions do apply including equipment used for national security.

Basically (according to relevant legislation [3]) this includes the following 10 categories:

• Large household appliances
• Small household appliances
• IT and Telecommunications equipment
• Consumer equipment
• Lighting equipment
• Electrical and Electronic tools
• Toys, leisure and sports equipment
• Medical devices
• Monitoring and control equipment
• Automatic dispensers
• Lighting equipment

Why is WEEE an issue?

Over the past decade WEEE has become a prominent global issue. With regular upgrades available and an inbuilt life expectancy piles of discarded computers and other Electrical and Electronic Equipment is commonplace. Over 1 million tonnes of WEEE enter landfill every year in the UK [7]. Due to this large quantity of waste, and its harmful nature, some organisations and countries have disposed of their waste by shipping it other countries for dismantling and disposal. This has resulted in countries such as China carrying the burden of other countries WEEE. This transportation is now regulated but WEEE remains a significant problem worldwide.

Electrical and Electronic Equipment is a harmful waste due to the use of heavy metals and toxic man-made components such as Hexavalent Chromium. Equipment disposed in landfill poses a serious risk to the local environment. Hazardous substances from equipment can leach into the local ground and can enter watercourses affecting flora and fauna. These hazardous substances can be toxic, carcinogens, cause birth defects and bioaccumulate within species causing infertility and growth defects.

Who is Responsible for WEEE?

The quick answer to this is everyone is responsible! Individuals and companies alike should be aware of the environmental impact of WEEE throughout its entire life cycle. Those producing EEE should be aware of the nature of the components used and minimise those that are hazardous as much as possible. Those using EEE should also be aware of any hazardous components and their potential threat to the environment and use it in a safe and efficient manner. When the equipment is no longer of use to the owner a method to reuse or recycle the equipment should be sort before disposal.

Under the legislation described those who have the following involvement with EEE are obliged to abide by the regulations [2]:

• Manufacturers
• Importers
• Re-Brands
• Distributors (including internet based)
• Sellers
• Stores
• Treats
• Dismantles
• Recycles
• Disposes
• Uses
• Repairs and Refurbishes

What is the law?

There are two pieces of fundamental legislation relating to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment:

1. The most current WEEE regulation is: The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2009 [3]. The aim of this piece of legislation is to encourage reuse and recycling rather than disposal of EEE to landfill by making producers responsible for the equipment they place on the market [2]. This piece of legislation can be broken down into separate obligations:
2. Register- Producers of EEE must register with an Environmental Regulator (in England and Wales this is the Environment Agency).
3. Labelling – EEE must be marked with a crossed-out wheel bin symbol and the producer’s identification number.
4. Information – Distributors and Retailers of EEE must provide information regarding the environmental impacts of the substances within the EEE, the reasons for separating the waste from the mainstream and a safe method of disposal.
5. Take Back – Producers and distributors of EEE are required to provide a take back facility for their WEEE. This obligation can be met by either joining a Producer Compliance Scheme or taking back the waste directly. The Producer Compliance Scheme allows producers and distributors to fulfil their obligation by allowing an independent company to collect, treat, recover and dispose of their WEEE.
6. Payment – Producers are obliged to pay the equivalent amount of money to collect, treat, recover, and dispose of the waste (WEEE) from the quantity of Electrical and Electronic Equipment they place on the market to the producer compliance scheme.
7. Treating, Recycling and Exporting – those who undertake these processes must obtain the relevant environmental permits and provide regular documentation and evidence of quantities and abidance.

These obligations can vary slightly for those who produce non-household EEE, see [8] for further details.

1. The Restriction of the Use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2009 [4]. This piece of legislation stipulates certain restrictions on the use and quantity of hazardous substances in new EEE manufactured in the EU. The following hazardous substances are regulated:
2. Lead
3. Mercury
4. Cadmium
5. Hexavalent Chromium
6. Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB)
7. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE)

These pieces of legislation utilise the ‘Producer Responsibility’ approach encouraging innovation and consideration at the beginning of the equipments life cycle. The aim of this approach is to ensure that manufacturers are taking responsibility for the entire environmental impact of the equipment including its final disposal. Non compliance may result in prosecution and a fine.

So what do I do with my WEEE?

If you’re a business and bought your equipment after 13^th August 2005 you can return the equipment free of charge to the producer (always make a note of the Producers Identification Number). If you’re replacing a piece of equipment bought before this date, for a like piece of equipment, you can return the old piece of equipment to the new manufacturer free of charge. For any other WEEE which isn’t covered, this must be disposed through a registered waste carrier with the correct documentation at a charge [2].

If you’re a household and wish to dispose of your WEEE correctly then first check to see if you can return your equipment to the producer or distributor under this legislation. If this isn’t possible and there is no opportunity to reuse your equipment, then locate your closest disposal site and ensure the WEEE is placed in the separate disposal site supplied [1].

To make even less of an impact on the environment then make sure the electronics you are buying in the first place are environmentally friendly, such as the ones from our store.

References:

[1] http://www.wisegeek.com/how-should-i-dispose-of-my-old-computer.htm

[2] http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/topics/WEEE/default.aspx?gclid=CJznh4aBk6MCFREslAodjTSkmA

[3] http://www.england-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2009/uksi_20093216_en_1

[4] http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2009/uksi_20090581_en_1

[5] http://www.econo-weee.com/legal_definitions.php

[6] http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/32084.aspx

[7] http://weeeman.org/html/what/index.html

[8] http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/topics/WEEE/63045.aspx