European Union and United Kingdom Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Battery Directives FAQs
Review Date November 2023
1. What is the WEEE Directive?
The European Community (2012/19/EU) Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, as transposed in national law in the United Kingdom, aims to reduce the amount of electrical and electronic products that end up in the waste stream. The directive sets collection, recovery, and recycling targets for different types of electrical goods sold in the European Union and the United Kingdom, respectively.
2. What is the Batteries Directive?
The European Community Batteries Directive (2006/66/EC) as transposed in national law in the United Kingdom, on batteries and waste batteries, aims, among others, to prohibit the marketing of batteries containing hazardous substances. It also regulates the collection, treatment, recycling and disposal of waste batteries at their end of life. The directive applies to different types of batteries including both portable and industrial batteries.
3. How does Zebra comply?
Most batteries and electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), including printers, and mobile computers sold in Europe, must be disposed of in accordance with the WEEE Directive and the Batteries Directive, respectively. The directives place responsibilities on "producers" and "distributors" of EEE and batteries regarding the collection, treatment, recovery and environmentally sound disposal of EEE and batteries from both private households and users other than private households.
Both Zebra and its partners have responsibilities as producers and/or distributors under national laws implementing the WEEE and Batteries Directives regarding the collection, return and recycling of batteries and EEE at their end of life.
Certain of the batteries Zebra supplies qualify as industrial batteries under the Batteries Directive. These industrial batteries are either Li Ion, Li MH or ADD batteries as indicated on the label of the battery.
Important: Waste EEE and batteries should be recycled. All Zebra EEE and batteries are marked with a crossed out wheeled bin symbol. Please do not throw any EEE or a battery in your bin. Dispose safely.
Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and batteries contain materials, components and substances that may be hazardous and present a risk to human health and the environment when waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries are not handled correctly. In case batteries contain more than 0,0005% mercury (Hg), 0,002% cadmium (Cd) or 0,004% lead (Pb) (by weight), the corresponding chemical symbol is displayed on the battery. Users need to follow local recycling regulations to reduce adverse environmental impact in connection with disposal of WEEE and batteries and to increase opportunities for reuse, recycling, and recovery of WEEE and batteries. Users are responsible for removing personal data from electronic devices prior to disposal. Where possible remember to separate waste batteries or accumulators from the electronic device before you dispose of it.
4. When is Zebra NOT obligated for EEE and batteries within Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)?
a. For Zebra authorized distributors and resellers located outside the UK or FR and their customers; and
b. For any other customers not expressly mentioned in section 5 below.
5. When is Zebra obligated for EEE and batteries?
a. For end user customers located in the UK, EEA or CH who purchase directly from Zebra; and
b. For Zebra authorized distributors and resellers located in the UK and FR who purchase directly from Zebra.
Zebra is registered with local authorities as a “producer” or “importer” of EEE and batteries in compliance with applicable legislation. Under the relevant registrations, which may be updated from time to time, Zebra’s obligations include reporting, and organizing takeback of EEE and batteries.
Please refer to the table below for Zebra’s registration details, which is subject to change at any time in response to legislative changes.
Zebra Registration Details
| Country | Registration Number (EEE) | Registration Number (Batteries) |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | 9008391778288 | 9008391778288 |
| Czech Republic | KH003/05-ECZ | registered, # not provided |
| Denmark | registered, # not provided | - |
| Estonia | PRO180092 | PRO180092 |
| Finland | registered, # not provided | registered with collective org |
| France | FR02576 IDU:FR025076_05CF69 |
FR025006 IDU: FR025006_06YURN |
| Germany | 93145997 | 82987522 |
| Greece | 9875 | - |
| Ireland | 2706WB | 2706WB |
| Italy | IT19060000011471 | IT19060P00005430 |
| Latvia | EEIGB02881068 | BAGB02881068 |
| Lithuania | 288016 | registered with collective org |
| Netherlands | registered, # not provided | registered with collective org |
| Poland | 000006411 | 000110780 |
| Portugal | PT101217 | PT06002049 |
| Spain | RII_AEE 6983 RD 110/2015 | RII_PYA 1878 RD 106/2018 |
| Sweden | 4335 | - |
| United Kingdom | WEE/CB0091VU/PRO | BPRN03377 |
6. How will it work for me/ what can I return?
In the countries listed under "How does Zebra comply?", if you are a Direct End User Customer of Zebra you are eligible to return Zebra EEE and batteries to Zebra free of charge. Please contact Zebra at: e-waste@zebra.com.
In the United Kingdom and France, you may return electronic and electric equipment and industrial batteries to Zebra free of charge regardless of whether the electric equipment and industrial batteries have been purchased from Zebra directly, via distributors/resellers or in some cases from third parties. Please contact Zebra at: e-waste@zebra.com.
Acronyms used in this article:
EEA – The European Economic Area
FR – France
CH – Switzerland
UK – United Kingdom