WEEE rules explained: what UK households and landlords need to know

Updated 6 November 2026 · By the Appliance Disposal team

Short answer: WEEE stands for waste electrical and electronic equipment, and in the UK it must be collected separately from general rubbish so it can be treated and recycled. Retailers must offer a way to take back an old appliance when you buy a similar new one, and anyone disposing of an appliance has a Duty of Care to make sure it goes to an authorised waste carrier or site.

WEEE rules explained: what UK households and landlords need to know

What counts as WEEE

Large white goods such as fridges, freezers, washing machines, dryers, cookers and dishwashers
Small appliances such as kettles, toasters, microwaves and vacuum cleaners
Anything with a plug, battery or cable, including power tools and IT equipment
Items marked with the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol

Retailer take-back

Shops selling electricals must provide a free way for customers to return an old item when buying a similar new one, either in store or through a recycling scheme the retailer belongs to. Many large retailers also offer home collection on delivery, usually for a fee and usually only if booked with the order.

The Duty of Care

Households must take reasonable steps to make sure waste goes to an authorised person
Businesses must also complete and keep waste transfer notes for at least two years
Fridges and other hazardous items need hazardous waste paperwork when collected from businesses
Fines can apply if your waste ends up fly-tipped by an unregistered collector

Advice for landlords

If an appliance you supplied breaks, you are responsible for replacing it and disposing of the old one properly. Keep the waste transfer note with your property records, and remember that abandoned tenant items may need to be stored or notified before disposal depending on the tenancy.