What is the WEEE Directive?

WEEE is an acronym that stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Many types of waste fall into this category, for example household appliances, computer equipment and lighting equipment.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies – UPSs and other electrical accessories have also joined the list of WEEE equipment, which become WEEE waste when they reach their end-of-life; they can have an impact on the environment while having a high recycling potential.
The WEEE Directive 2012/19 / EU makes producers and other economic operators in the chain (importers, distributors, end-users, etc.) responsible for the future of end-of-life equipment.

Batteries used by UPSs must also be collected according to this directive and subsequently processed according to European Directive 2006/66 / EC.

This waste is characterised by its high environmental toxicity and non-biodegradability.
Such waste, however, is rich in metals such as copper, iron, silver, gold and lead, which can be recycled and reused.

For example, lead recycling is a key way to help meet the growing demand for energy availability worldwide. It means we can provide important resources and at the same time leave a smaller footprint. 70% of all energy storage capacity of rechargeable batteries worldwide is provided by lead acid batteries, and 99% of the materials from which lead acid batteries are made can be recycled or reused. In fact, lead-acid batteries are the most recycled consumer product on earth. Dr. Andy Bush, CEO of the International Lead Association, says that lead-acid batteries are “a truly green energy storage solution”.

As part of its voluntary membership of the UN Global Compact and its Corporate Social Responsibility commitments, ON LITE is committed to minimising its impact on the environment.
Within the framework of the WEEE Directive 2012/19 / EU, ON LITE has taken steps to implement this directive and anticipate future developments.

What are the benefits of the WEEE Directive?

The WEEE Directive is an opportunity to ensure the proper end-of-life management of electrical equipment and batteries while respecting the environment and complying with current regulations.

Product marking

ON LITE products subject to the WEEE Directive comply with the WEEE marking requirements of 15 August 2018. All products are marked with the ‘crossed-out wheelie bin’ symbol, in accordance with European standard EN 50419.

Compliance of ON LITE with the WEEE directive

In order to fulfil our obligations as producers, we are associated with the ERION consortium, which operates throughout the country. Should you need to manage the take-back and disposal of an obsolete UPS and/or exhausted batteries, please contact the ON LITE seller who followed you in purchasing the new product.