How We Process WEEE and Electrical Waste
At Pure Planet Recycling, we deliver secure, UK-based WEEE recycling for businesses. As an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) for waste electrical and electronic equipment, we operate a fully licensed site. From the outset, we follow best available treatment, recovery and recycling techniques across every service we provide.
Above all, we apply the waste hierarchy to every load we handle. Where reuse makes sense, we prioritise it. However, when reuse is not appropriate, we recycle equipment down to material level using approved UK facilities. As a result, clients receive both environmental assurance and regulatory confidence.
A Fully Traceable WEEE Recycling Process
Our WEEE recycling process gives businesses full visibility and control from collection through to final treatment. Importantly, we manage each stage in sequence, which ensures accountability at every point.
First, we collect redundant electrical and electronic equipment from offices, factories and warehouses using our own vehicles. At the same time, our fully trained and uniformed staff handle all equipment with care. Because we carry out collections in-house, we retain control from uplift through to processing. Consequently, nothing leaves our chain of custody without traceability.
Duty of Care and Compliance Documentation
For every collection, we issue full duty-of-care documentation for both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. In addition, this paperwork creates a clear audit trail for your records.
Specifically, the documentation confirms:
- The collection location
- The licensed treatment and disposal facility
- Our Environment Agency licence details
As a result, you can demonstrate compliance with UK WEEE regulations and meet your legal responsibilities with confidence.
Sorting and Segregation at Our Licensed Facility
Once equipment arrives at our licensed recycling facility in Bedfordshire, our team sorts and segregates it by waste stream. This step matters because it determines the correct treatment route for every item.
Moreover, we separate hazardous and non-hazardous WEEE immediately. By doing so, we prevent cross-contamination and maintain compliance with environmental legislation. At the same time, this approach helps us maximise recycling and recovery rates across all material streams.
Reuse of IT Equipment
Where appropriate, we prioritise the reuse of IT equipment. However, before any reuse decision is made, we remove all data-bearing components and physically shred them on-site. This step ensures complete and irreversible data destruction.
Once data storage devices are destroyed, we assess the remaining equipment for reuse suitability. This process may include:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Servers
- Networking equipment
Only equipment that remains complete, functional and suitable enters reuse routes. Otherwise, we strip items to recover parts or materials before recycling them responsibly.
Further detail on how we manage this type of equipment is available on our computer recycling and IT recycling service pages.
Hazardous WEEE Processing
Some electrical waste types require specialist handling. Therefore, we process these items through approved UK treatment partners while maintaining full traceability.
Fridges and Freezers
First, fridges and freezers undergo degassing to safely remove ozone depleting substances. After treatment, we recycle the remaining plastic and metal cabinets to material level within the UK.
CRT Monitors
CRT monitors pass through modern recycling technology that separates the front panel glass from the funnel glass. Subsequently, we recover leaded glass, plastics and metals and send them to approved UK recycling facilities.
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent light tubes undergo controlled crushing. Following this, the resulting debris is processed to separate mercury bearing phosphor powder from the glass. Mercury is then captured in UN-approved containers and handled by specialist disposal contractors.
Recycling of Non-Hazardous Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment that cannot be reused and is classed as non-hazardous WEEE is processed through automated UK recycling plants. These facilities recover valuable materials such as metals, plastics and electronic components.
As a result, recovered materials re-enter the manufacturing supply chain. Therefore, this process reduces landfill and actively supports a circular economy.
Our Environmental Commitment
At Pure Planet Recycling, we comply with all relevant UK environmental legislation. Furthermore, we continually review our processes to improve environmental performance.
By combining secure handling, compliant processing and responsible recycling routes, we deliver a trusted solution for WEEE recycling and electrical waste disposal. Ultimately, our approach protects your business, your data and the environment.
