Switched on
Nov 17 2009 by Karen Wilson, The Journal
A NEW company has been launched in Northumberland to tackle the huge amount of electrical waste going to landfill.
WREL (WEEE Recycling Electronics Limited) is the brainchild of Mick Dyson and Guy Evans. The Bedlington-based company offers a complete recycling package for all electrical and electronic waste, however large or small.
WREL is fully licensed to assess, collect, provide containers and process all electrical waste including hazardous goods such as fridges, TVs and batteries from both business and domestic users.
The tough WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) regulations mean that business users, manufacturers and retailers are responsible for making sure their electrical goods and batteries do not end up in landfill or at unauthorised facilities.
The consequences for firms or individuals who do not comply are serious – they can be fined, imprisoned or have products banned.
Mick Dyson, an experienced engineer who has worked on compliance issues across Europe for a large international drinks dispense company, and Guy Evans who was formerly a national contract manager with SITA waste management company understand the urgency of WEEE regulations and compliance.
They decided to set up WREL to provide a high quality, professional solution for both trade and residential electrical waste that answered the needs of customers.
WREL provides a full audit trail and has a secure disposal facility. It offers a flexible service, working with customers to find the best way for dealing with their electrical waste.
Mick Dyson said: “WREL is licensed as an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF), which gives us the stamp of quality and credibility for WEEE recycling. We provide a national quality service at competitive rates which answers a pent-up need from commercial and domestic customers.
“WEEE regulations have to be complied with, and companies are finding that it makes commercial sense to have a dedicated company such as WREL deal with electrical waste efficiently and provide the back-up documentation and audit trail needed to satisfy strict legislation.”
Guy Evans said: “We are already processing 20 tons of electrical equipment a week, even though we only opened our doors in September. The interest and take-up of WREL services in our first weeks by local companies has been far greater than we could have anticipated.
“We have started recruiting from the local area to help with the dismantling and recycling process, and aim to expand further over the next six months, offering up to five more employment opportunities.
“It is good news for the North East that we have been able to launch a new business at a difficult time, and that our plans for expansion are already coming into reality because there is a need for WEEE recycling which we are able to meet.”
The government target for electrical waste recycling is 15 kilograms per person per year. Currently the UK is achieving only four kilograms, leaving a yawning gap to fill.
Mick Dyson added: “We are aware that many companies have to state their processes for disposal of electronic equipment when completing public sector and large company tenders. If the question cannot be answered it cuts the company’s chances of winning the contract.”
WREL supplies all the evidence and documentation needed to ensure that companies comply with legislation and what is needed for corporate social responsibilities.
:: Mick Dyson and Guy Evans aim to roll out WREL's WEEE recycling service across the country. Visit www.WEEERecycleElectronics.com , call (01670) 536220 or 07531 667 751 or email enquiries@WEEERecycleElectronics.com.
