Risks associated with treating WEEE

Electrical and electronic equipment contains a complex mix of materials, components and substances, many which are classed as hazardous waste. The New Zealand Hazardous Waste list provides more details.

Dismantling, crushing, recycling or refurbishing WEEE, if poorly managed, has the potential to release toxic substances into the environment and to endanger human health. The management of WEEE involves manual handling, storage and transportation of heavy and bulky items, so health and safety issues must also be considered.

These issues are discussed in more detail in the reuse and recycling sections of this guidance.

It is essential that the environmental and health and safety risks are identified and proactively managed by reuse and recycling operators. This has been recognised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which has produced comprehensive guidance on the environmentally sound management of wastes.


|

Last updated:15 March 2011