Oden launches new ATF site in South West

Oden launches new ATF site in South West

Due to the success of their Hampshire ATF site, Oden have now opened another AATF facility in Somerset.

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Why staff wont support budgets?

Why staff wont support budgets?

Why change WEEE partner? So you can receive a financial return on your retired IT equipment.

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Data Security

Data Security

Answer two simple questions in relation to your IT equipment.

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Why Recycle WEEE

Why Recycle WEEE

A quick explanation of why WEEE should be properly treated.

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Small Collection of Apple Macs

Small Collection of Apple Macs

It’s inspiring to witness the meticulous process of securely erasing quality assets for reuse in our workshop.

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Best Practices for Secure IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)

Best Practices for Secure IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)

This white paper aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the best practices for secure ITAD, highlighting key components, risks, regulatory considerations, and practical steps for selecting an ITAD vendor in the UK.

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Persistent Organic Pollutants in WEEE: The Silent Environmental Threat

Persistent Organic Pollutants in WEEE: The Silent Environmental Threat


Compliant Treatment of WEEE Waste Containing POPs in the UK
An Overview of Current Practices and Regulations
The management and treatment of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have become increasingly stringent in the UK, especially following its departure from the European Union. We have put together this document to provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory framework and compliant treatment methods for POPs in WEEE in the UK.
Regulatory Framework
• 2012 – WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU)
This directive strengthened the rules on the collection, treatment, and recycling of WEEE containing POPs.
• 2019 – EU POPs Regulation (2019/1021)
This regulation repealed and updated prior regulations, tightening limits on substances like brominated flame retardants in e-waste.
UK-Specific Implementation
• 2016 – UK WEEE Regulations (Amendment)
These regulations integrated stricter POPs management, ensuring compliance with EU standards.
• January 1, 2021 – Post-Brexit UK POPs Regulation
Following Brexit, the UK adopted its own version of the EU POPs Regulation (2019/1021), maintaining similar restrictions but with UK-specific enforcement.
• December 31, 2022 – Environment Agency Guidance on POPs in WEEE
This guidance mandated the separate collection and destruction of WEEE plastics containing brominated flame retardants (BFRs), preventing them from being recycled into new products.
Current UK Rules on POPs in WEEE
Thankfully the UK has implemented strict rules to ensure the compliant treatment of WEEE waste containing POPs. These rules are designed to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health.
1. Prohibition on Reuse and Recycling
WEEE waste containing POPs must not be reused or recycled. Instead, it must be destroyed via incineration or chemical treatment. This ensures that harmful substances are not reintroduced into the environment or consumer products.
2. Stricter Classification of Waste
Many plastics from WEEE are now automatically considered hazardous if they contain brominated flame retardants (BFRs). This classification helps in identifying and segregating POPs-containing waste, streamlining its compliant treatment.
3. Increased Enforcement
UK regulators, including the Environment Agency (EA), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), ensure compliance with the regulations. These agencies conduct inspections, provide guidance, and take enforcement actions when necessary.
Compliant Treatment Methods
The treatment of WEEE containing POPs involves several key steps to ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Oden Services UK plays a vital role in implementing these methods effectively.
1. Collection and Segregation
WEEE waste is collected separately from other waste streams to prevent contamination. Items suspected of containing POPs are segregated and stored in designated areas until they can be properly treated. Oden Services UK provides specialised collection services to ensure that all WEEE containing POPs is correctly handled.
2. Identification and Testing
Collected WEEE is inspected to identify the presence of POPs, particularly brominated flame retardants. This complicated process helps in determining the appropriate treatment method and ensures that all POPs containing waste is correctly managed. Oden Services UK can accurately identify and classify POPs in WEEE.
3. Destruction via Incineration
Incineration is a common method for destroying POPs in WEEE. High-temperature incineration effectively breaks down harmful substances, preventing them from entering the environment. Specialised facilities are used to ensure complete combustion and minimise emissions. Oden Services UK partners with certified facilities to guarantee the safe destruction of POPs. One challenge faced is the limited capacity in the UK to treat this waste.
4. Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatment is another method for managing POPs in WEEE. This process involves using chemicals to neutralise or break down POPs, rendering them harmless. Chemical treatment is often used for specific types of POPs that cannot be effectively treated through incineration.
5. Disposal of Residues
After treatment, any remaining residues are carefully disposed of in compliance with hazardous waste regulations. This ensures that even treated waste does not pose a risk to the environment or public health. Oden Services UK ensures that all residues are disposed of in accordance with the latest regulatory requirements.


Challenges and Future Directions
While the UK has made significant strides in the compliant treatment of WEEE containing POPs, challenges remain. These include the need for ongoing research and development of more efficient treatment technologies, as well as the need for improved public awareness and participation in WEEE recycling programs. Oden Services UK is at the forefront of addressing these challenges and guiding future directions.
1. Technological Advancements
Continued investment in research and development is crucial for advancing treatment technologies. Innovations in incineration and chemical treatment can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of POPs management. Oden Services UK is committed to working with partners utilising cutting-edge technologies to improve the treatment of POPs in WEEE.
2. Public Awareness
Educating the public about the importance of proper WEEE disposal and the dangers of POPs is essential for increasing correct disposal. One problem is getting the word out, we are thank full to campaigns such as Material focus’s Hypnocat campaigns https://www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/hypnocat-electricals-campaign/
3. International Collaboration
Given the global nature of electronic waste, international collaboration is vital. Sharing best practices and harmonizing regulations can help address the challenges associated with WEEE and POPs on a broader scale. Oden Services UK collaborates with international partners to share knowledge and improve global POPs management practices.
In conclusion, the UK has established a robust regulatory framework and effective treatment methods for managing WEEE containing POPs. Through continued enforcement, technological advancements, and public awareness, the UK, with the support of organisations like Oden Services UK, can further enhance its efforts to protect the environment and public health from the risks associated with POPs in electronic waste.

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POP's. Out of sight should not mean out of mind!

POP's. Out of sight should not mean out of mind!

Follow up from my post last week about Why WEEE is such a challenging waste stream to manage. In particular the issue of POP’s. I felt it was important to give some clarity into the compounds and their dangers to both human health and the environment!

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Recycling Enquiry

Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with your retired equipment.

What Our Customers Say

The guys at Oden removed the stress we had. Disposing of our electronic items was an environmental and data protection mine field. They visited our site, carried out an audit and collected the same week. Every detail is on the portal for us. Great company to deal with.

IT Manager

Major London university
Quick clean service carried out by professional company. Lovely collection staff.

Well Known Car Manufacturer
We selected the collection box option, boxes are always collected swiftly and replaced. Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes are always signed and uploaded to the portal. We experienced many problems with WEEE companies; our ISO EMS means that all records are in place. Prior to using Oden we always had to ask companies for copies that they rarely had. We now log onto the portal and download all data and reports. Thank you

Compliance Manager

Energy Company
Next day collection, all paperwork supplied. Perfect.

IT Manager

Retail Chain
Mobile destruction unit came to our site, the operator made a list of drives, drives were destroyed and taken away. Very satisfying to watch our drives being destroyed.

Branch Manager

Financial Institution, Bristol
Booking was easy and collection was carried out in a timely manner. Data erasure certificates were very detailed.

National Construction Company

London
Oden are a local company and have provided IT disposal services for us for 10 years, can't recommend enough.

IT Infrastructure Company

Portsmouth

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