KIRKLEES firms have been reminded of their recycling responsibilities for electrical items.

Anyone importing, rebranding or manufacturing electrical or electronic equipment must register with the Environment Agency under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations.

Breaching the regulations can lead to a court appearance and the threat of a fine of up to £5,000 in the magistrates’ court or without limit in the crown court.

The regulations were brought in to reduce the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment being produced and to encourage businesses to reuse, recycle and recover more.

Every year, the UK throws away about 2m tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment – one of the fastest-growing types of waste in the UK and the European Union.

The EU adopted the WEEE regulations to deal with this waste and make sure more is collected for treatment and recovery and less goes to landfill.

Manufacturers and importers of electrical equipment now are obliged to offer to take back redundant equipment, including computers, televisions, photocopiers, power tools, lighting, large and small household appliances, and toys.

The regulations, which came into force in early 2007, also apply to businesses which sell or dispose of electrical or electronic equipment and aim to prevent illegal exports.

Call 08708 506506 or visit www.environment-agency.

gov.uk/weee