Alpha Disposals - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EU WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) Directive?

The European Union (EU) adopted two directives governing the waste from electrical and electronic equipment – The EU WEEE Directive and the RoHS Directive. The purpose of these directives is to reduce the amount of electrical and electronic equipment entering incinerators and landfills and to eliminate the hazardous substances these products contain. The proposed EU Directives became law in February, 2003.

When will the EU WEEE Directive take affect?

Member States had 18 months to adapt national legislation by 13 August 2004 and another 12 months to ensure that take-back systems are up and running in the respective countries. Collection, treatment, and financing systems for EU WEEE must be in place by 13 August 2005.

How does the EU WEEE Directive affect global companies?

As the EU establishes producer responsibility based on the principle of “the polluter pays,” it does not impose the requirements of its Directives directly on companies or consumers, but on its member States. It is the responsibility of the member States to implement policies to ensure compliance with EU Directives. Therefore, any company doing business or importing products into any of the member States will be affected by the policies set forth by the EU WEEE Directive.

How is the Alpha Disposals Programme Managed?

Upon contacting Alpha, you will be assigned a dedicated account manager who will run through the whole disposals process to address any queries you may have. Once we have received an inventory of redundant hardware, your account manager will make an offer for the equipment. Alpha can not guarentee that we can make an offer on all equipment.

What happens to the equipment that gets returned?

The equipment that is returned to Alpha through this program will be handled in an environmentally safe manner through processes that comply with all eWaste regulations – Swiss regulations, EU WEEE Directive and all EPA guidelines. All equipment received will be evaluated for reuse. Functioning products may be reused and the remaining equipment will be de-manufactured and recycled thoroughly preventing any material in landfills.

Who pays the recycling and transport costs?

Transport and recycling costs are judged on a case by case basis. Where ever possible Alpha will aim to pay this. This is dependent on what the kit is.

What is my business’s liability for product that is returned through this program?

Upon request you will receive a Certificate of Destruction (COD) for all equipment that is returned through this program indemnifying you against liability (or releasing your business from any further liability for the equipment).

What products are included in this service?

We will assist with the disposal and remarketing of any IT hardware. Ranging from PC’s and printers through to high end unix servers. Please let us know what redundant hardware you have.

How can my company initiate the takeback & recycle process?

Please contact your account manager directly, or call Chris Gregory on 0208 263 2761.