Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) cannot be managed as simple trash. As a producer, owner, or user of IT equipment, your company has specific responsibilities governed by law. Here's what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid risks.
1. Binding European regulations
Directive 2012/19/EU, transposed into French law, requires rigorous WEEE management. It distinguishes between professional and private equipment, specifying the collection, decontamination, and treatment procedures. Companies must ensure that their equipment is entrusted to approved service providers.
2. The obligation of traceability
Each material movement must be accountable: collection date, equipment type, quantity, processing method, and treatment center. In the event of an inspection by ADEME or the authorities, failure to ensure traceability may result in sanctions. RECYNEW provides a detailed report for each batch processed.
3. Data protection: a legal issue
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires companies to ensure the secure erasure of personal data before any transfer or disposal of electronic media. Failure to do so may constitute serious misconduct, punishable by fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual turnover.
4. Responsibility of the waste holder
Even if you outsource WEEE management, your company remains liable in the event of mismanagement by the service provider. It is therefore essential to choose a certified company, such as RECYNEW, to ensure treatment complies with legal and environmental requirements.
5. Penalties incurred in the event of failure
Penalties can range from administrative fines to criminal prosecution, particularly in cases of pollution, non-compliance with processing standards, or data leaks. This is not just an eco-friendly gesture: it's a regulatory requirement with potentially serious impacts.
RECYNEW allows you to fulfill your obligations securely, with transparency, compliance, and supporting documentation.