Information requirements

In the UK after the 1 April 2007 all products must be clearly marked with the producer and the date that the product was put onto the market (or the producer could use a black line under the crossed out wheelie bin symbol to indicate that the product was placed on the market after the regulations have commenced). Producer identification marking may consist of one of the following: brand name, trade mark, company registration number or other unique reference.

Producers are required to supply the following information to users of electrical and electronic equipment:

• The requirement not to dispose of WEEE as unsorted municipal waste and to collect such WEEE separately — this will usually mean using a label/symbol on products showing a crossed out wheelie bin and a statement in the accompanying instructions and guarantee. (see fifth point)
• The return and collection systems available to them - this will explain how and where the products may be returned. It can include things such as pre addressed postage paid; envelopes for smaller products.
• Their role in contributing to reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of WEEE this may include an explanation of WEEE and why it is important to reuse recycle and recover, as well as actions that users and consumers can take.
• The potential effects on the environment and human health as a result of the presence of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, including an explanation of the effects of materials used in the product in question along with any information relating to special disposal requirements.
• The meaning of the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol that must be on all electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market after the commencement of the regulations.

• Member states may require that some or all of the information referred to above shall be provided by producers and/or distributors.

Additionally, in order to facilitate the reuse and the correct and environmentally sound treatment of WEEE, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that producers provide reuse and treatment information for each type of new electrical and electronic equipment put on the market within one year of that product being placed on the market. This information shall identify:

• The different electrical and electronic equipment components and materials;
• The location of dangerous materials and preparations.

It may also list the recycling and reuse options for each of the listed materials.

It may not be practical for all this information to be included with the product itself so there is flexibility for producers to decide how best to make available this information. They may wish to respond to requests for information when these arise or to take steps to make information available. Electronic means of information dissemination such as websites or CD-ROMs may represent the most effective and cheapest means of compliance. Products may carry direct information.