The Haz Guide

This will apply to all businesses that use EEE, for example if you wish to dispose of old computers, lighting and/or telecommunications equipment. Businesses should be aware that some WEEE disposal is free if:

In all circumstances, any company considering purchasing or leasing EEE, should speak to their supplier before they purchase and then make a business decision. However, if the supplier does offer an option for free disposal the company should obtain and keep the “producer registration number.” This will enable the business to contact the producer’s compliance scheme when the product needs to be disposed of. There should be a producer compliance scheme that can be called upon to collect and treat the WEEE unless the producer has made alternative arrangements with the business. The register of producers on the Environment Agency’s website gives details of which compliance schemes producers are members of.

If the producer refuses to take responsibility a business should contact their environmental regulator. If the equipment you are purchasing is non-historic (e.g. produced after 13 August 2005), this often confirms responsibility with the producer.
There are some circumstances when a business produces WEEE where they may have to pay for disposal. This may be the case if:

There are also circumstances where you may wish to negotiate with suppliers about who takes responsibility for EEE at the end of its life. A business may take a decision to accept responsibility and negotiate a lower purchase price. However, this will mean you may be left with future disposal, recovery or recycling costs.