The repair, refurbishment, and storage of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) - paragraph 49 exemption

Waste stream(s) permitted

(a) Waste electronic and electrical equipment specified in Table 11A of Schedule 2, Part 1 of the Waste management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 as follows:

• EWC 16 02 14, (WEEE other than those mentioned in EWC 16 02 09 to 16 02 13)
• EWC 20 01 36, (WEEE other than those mentioned in EWC 20 01 21, 20 01 23 and 20 01 35)

(b) Waste electronic and electrical equipment specified in Table 11B of Schedule 2, Part 1 of the Regulations as follows:

• EWC 16 02 11*, (WEEE containing chlorofluorocarbons, HCFC, HFC)
• EWC 20 01 23*, (WEEE containing chlorofluorocarbons)

(c) Waste electronic and electrical equipment specified in Table 11B of Schedule 2, Part 1 of the Regulations as follows:

• Television and computer monitors containing cathode ray tubes falling within EWC 16 02 13*  (WEEE containing hazardous components other than those mentioned in 16 02 09 to 16 02 12) and EWC 20 01 35* (WEEE other than those mentioned in 20 01 21 and 20 01 23 containing hazardous components).

Annex 1B of the WEEE¹ 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.

An asterisk against an EWC code indicates that this waste is hazardous. If you handle hazardous waste under this exemption you may have additional obligations under the Hazardous Waste Regulations.

Quantity

The maximum quantity of waste that can be treated is 5 tonnes per day.

Storage

WEEE¹ must be securely stored at the place where it is intended to be repaired or refurbished.

The total quantity of any particular kind of WEEE stored must not exceed 80 cubic metres.

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

No WEEE can be stored at that place for more than 12 months.

The waste must be stored and treated in a manner that will prevent the release of CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs.

Additional conditions

All WEEE must be stored on an impermeable pavement² with a weatherproof covering.

The activity must be carried on with a view to the reuse of the WEEE for its original purpose.

Best available treatment, recovery and recycling techniques must be used when carrying out the activity.

The technical requirements specified in Annex III of the WEEE Directive must be met.

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 49 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.

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

• Regulation Unit

Forms and guidance

• Paragraph 49 specific guidance
• General guidance
• you can also apply online here