Quality mark for e-waste

WEEELABEX

WEEELABEX for environmentally friendly processing and a sustainable society. Fill in the form and receive a response within one business day.

"Holland Recycling's WEEELABEX quality mark gives us the assurance that our equipment is processed legally and responsibly."

Milko Steer

Managing Director

WEEELABEX: Quality mark for e-waste processing

Electronic waste must be processed legally. Official WEEELABEX certification at Holland Recycling Electronics was completed in the autumn of 2015 with a positive certification audit, and rewarded with the certificate for recycling and product reuse of electronics. As a result, we are officially registered in the National (W)EEE Register. A wonderful joint initiative for the responsible processing of decommissioned electronics and electronic equipment, for an even more sustainable society.

As of 1 July 2015, all processors and producers are required to work in accordance with the WEEELABEX rules. This means e-waste may only be processed by processors who hold this certification.

Meaning of WEEE and WEEELABEX

WEEELABEX, in full Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment LABel of EXcellence, provides uniform rules for the collection, storage, transport, processing, recycling and reuse of e-waste, such as electronics. The guidelines contribute to sustainable production and consumption by preventing the generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment, and by promoting reuse and recycling.

Electronic waste

The goal is to reduce the amount of waste to be disposed of and to contribute to more efficient use of resources and the recovery of valuable secondary raw materials. Waste thus becomes a new raw material.

The directive also aims to improve the environmental performance of all market participants involved in the life cycle and processing of waste electrical and electronic equipment and components.

How does WEEE recycling work?

‘Processing’ already begins when a cord is cut off: a WEEELABEX certificate is required for that. This means companies and facilities that professionally strip decommissioned electronics and electrical equipment, or fully or partially disassemble devices, must be certified. This optimises the life cycle of electrical equipment. E-waste then ends up exclusively with processors who recycle it according to the standards and recover the required high percentages of raw materials from it.

How does WEEELABEX certification work?

Certification under the new standard is carried out through an extensive audit and a batch test. During the audit, not only the recycling process is assessed, but also quality, environmental management, working conditions and safety, as well as data destruction.

To be eligible to participate in the audit, the company must have a solid management system in place for quality, environment and safety. An existing ISO 9001 and/or ISO 14001 certification fits in perfectly here and speeds up the process, although the specific requirements of the WEEELABEX audit are stricter on certain points.

The subsequent batch test involves processing a number of decommissioned computers, in which data destruction is also tested. The results of this processing are carefully analysed, together with the audit, to establish precise recycling figures.

Avoid fines and choose Holland Recycling

With this certification, we can provide our customers with solid and reliable figures on the processing rate of collected computer waste and the destruction of data. This also matters greatly to you, because by working with a non-certified processor, you risk substantial fines.

Want more information on how to have your electronics processed? Simply get in touch.

Frequently asked questions about WEEELABEX

What is WEEELABEX?

WEEELABEX, in full Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment LABel of EXcellence, provides guidelines for the collection, storage, transport, processing, recycling and reuse of e-waste, such as electronics. The uniform rules contribute to sustainable production and consumption by preventing the generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment. In addition, also by promoting reuse and recycling.

How does WEEE recycling work?

‘Processing’ already begins when a cord is cut off: a WEEELABEX certificate is required for this. This means companies and institutions that professionally strip decommissioned electronics and electrical equipment, or fully or partially disassemble them, must be certified. This optimises the life cycle of electrical equipment. E-waste ends up exclusively with processors who recycle according to the applicable standards and recover the required high percentages of raw materials.

Is WEEELABEX-certified recycling legally required?

Yes. Since 1 July 2015, it has been a legal requirement in the Netherlands to have e-waste processed according to the WEEELABEX standards (WEEE Regulation). This applies both to the processor and to the party disposing of the waste; as a company, you have a duty of care to only offer your electronics to a certified party.

What are the risks if I don't have my e-waste processed via a WEEELABEX party?

Without certification, you are not compliant with the law, which can lead to heavy fines during inspections by the ILT (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate). You also risk environmental damage from improper processing of toxic substances, reputational damage to your organisation, and potential data security leaks from decommissioned equipment.

Do I receive proof of processing according to the WEEELABEX standards?

Absolutely. After processing by Holland Recycling, you receive an official processing certificate. This serves as your legal proof for your own records and environmental audits, demonstrating that your equipment was processed responsibly and in accordance with the highest European recycling rates.

Get in touch directly?

Do you have questions about our WEEELABEX certification, or would you like proof of certified processing for your own records? Get in touch with us directly.