According to a recent survey conducted by the European Recycling Platorm (ERP) the UK is falling behind other European countries when it comes to recycling Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment. (WEEE)

Currently the UK recycles 7.5Kg on average of WEEE per person where as Norway recycles 19Kg on average per head. Other European countries that recycle a higher amount per head than the UK include Denmark, Ireland, Austria and Germany.

The most frequently recycled WEEE items in the UK include large kitchen appliances such as washing machines and freezers. Other countries such as France and Denmark that recycle more WEEE than the UK tend to recycle much more smaller devices such as IT and telecommunications equipment.

Umberto Raiteri, CEO at ERP said “We have found the results of this research interesting and useful. Interesting because it gives us some insight into the different behaviours and attitudes of varying nationalities to recycling, and useful because it helps us in shaping our plans for future success in recycling around Europe.”

The fastest growing waste stream in the world at this time is WEEE, 6.5 million tonnes are thrown in the bin every year by European residents.