The secure storage of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) - paragraph 50 exemption

Waste stream(s) permitted

Waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) specified in Tables 11C and 11D of Schedule 2, Part 1 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003(as amended) as follows:

• EWC 16 02 14, (WEEE other than those mentioned in EWC 16 02 09 to 16 02 12)
• EWC 20 01 36, (WEEE other than those mentioned in EWC 20 01 21, 20 01 23 and 20 01 35)
• EWC 16 02 11 (WEEE containing chloroflurocarbons, HCFC or HFC)
• EWC 20 01 23 (WEEE containing chloroflurocarbons)
• EWC 16 02 13 (WEEE containing hazardous components other than those mentioned in 16 02 09 to 16 02 12)
• EWC 20 01 35 (WEEE other than those mentioned in 20 01 21 and 20 01 23 containing hazardous components)
• EWC 20 01 21 (fluorescent tubes and other mercury-containing waste)

Annex 1B of the WEEE Directive provides a list of products which fall under each category. The list is not exhaustive but shows examples of the type of products included in the broader categories.

Quantity

For waste other than fluorescent tubes and other mercury containing lamps the maximum quantity that can be stored is 80 cubic metres.

For fluorescent tubes and other mercury containing lamps the maximum quantity that can be stored is 50 cubic metres.

Storage

Waste may be stored for a maximum period of 3 months.

Waste other than fluorescent tubes and other mercury containing lamps must be stored on an impermeable surface and have weatherproof covering.

Fluorescent tubes and other mercury containing waste must be stored in appropriate secure containers with weatherproof covering, and in such a way that the glass is not broken.

WEEE must be stored in such a manner that its environmentally sound reuse or recycling is not hindered.

Waste containing chlorofluorocarbons must be stored in a manner that will prevent the release of the CFC, HCFC and HFC. The number of units in any stack (e.g. fridges and freezers) must not exceed 2 and the overall height of any stack shall not exceed 3.5m.

Additional conditions

WEEE must be stored for the purposes of recovery elsewhere.

All WEEE other than flourescent tubes and other mercury containing lamps must be stored on an impermeable pavement² with a weatherproof covering. The impermeable surface must direct all liquid to run off to a drainage system with impermeable components, which does not leak, and where all liquids entering the drainage system are stored in a sealed sump.

Interpretation

1. “waste electrical and electronic equipment” or “WEEE” means electrical or electronic equipment which is waste within the meaning of Article 1(a) of Directive 75/442/EEC, including all components, subassemblies and consumables which are part of the product at the time of discarding.
2. “impermeable pavement” means a pavement in the area where a waste recovery or storage operation takes place and which is capable of containing any spillage of waste received and is connected to a drainage system with impermeable components, which does not leak and which will ensure that:

• no liquid will run off the pavement otherwise than via the drainage system; and
• except where they may be lawfully discharged, all liquids entering the drainage system are collected in a sealed sump

What the legislation says

The full wording of the paragraph 50 exemption can be found in Schedule 2 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.

Relevant Objectives in relation to the disposal or recovery of waste are given in paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations.

You do not need to register an exemption if you are a retailer taking part in an in-store take-back scheme for household WEEE or a business storing your own WEEE

Should you have any queries in relation to your application please contact:-

• Regulation Unit

Forms and guidance

• Paragraph 50 specific guidance
• General guidance
• you can also apply online here