Environmental Policies | Tower - R K Wholesale Limited

At Tower, we understand the importance of recycling and the effect our waste is having on the planet. Unwanted electrical equipment is the UK’s fastest growing type of waste. Many electrical items can be repaired or recycled, saving natural resources and the environment. If we all do not recycle electrical equipment, it will end up in landfill where hazardous substances will leak out and cause soil and water contamination – harming wildlife and human health. To take steps into reducing harmful electrical waste, we recycle our electrical items using the Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment (WEEE) System.

WHAT IS WEEE?

The Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires countries to maximise separate collection and environmentally friendly processing of these items.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) refers to any household or non-household electrical or electronic equipment that is broken or redundant. It is basically anything that is powered by a battery or plug socket. WEEE can include:

• Small electrical appliances such as kettles, toasters and sandwich makers
• Microwaves
• Fridges
• Freezers
• Computers and monitors
• TVs

To remind you that old electrical equipment can be recycled, it is now marked with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. Please do not throw any electrical equipment (including those marked with this symbol) in your bin.

WHY IS WEEE RECYCLING IMPORTANT?

Technological advancements mean that there is a fast turnaround of electrical goods - with huge numbers being thrown into landfill. Not only does this take up lots of space, but also electronic waste disposal can result in harmful metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, soaking into landfill soils and polluting water supplies.

The WEEE Directive was introduced to support sustainable production and consumption by reducing the amount of electrical equipment being incinerated or going into landfill.

WHAT IS TOWER DOING TO HELP?

We provide a system which allows all customers buying new electrical equipment the opportunity to recycle their old items free of charge. As a responsible business, we have met the requirements placed on us by financially supporting the national network of WEEE recycling centres established by local authorities. This is achieved through membership of the national Distributor Take-back scheme (DTS).

To find more information on WEEE recycling and to locate your nearest recycling centre please visit the Recycle More website.

UK PLASTIC PACKAGING TAX

As of April 2022, there is a new tax that will apply to plastic packaging manufactured in, or imported into the UK, that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic. Plastic packaging is packaging that is predominantly plastic by weight.

Our recycling packaging project means we are always looking for ways to reduce non-recyclable packaging. Our team are looking at ways to introduce FSC sustainable packaging for any new products entering the business and we are removing foil from gift boxes, with the aim to be foil free by 2023.

POLICY OBJECTIVE

The aim of the tax is to provide a clear economic incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of plastic packaging, which will create greater demand for this material. In turn this will stimulate increased levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, diverting it away from landfill or incineration.

It will not apply to any plastic packaging which contains at least 30% recycled plastic, or any packaging which is not predominantly plastic by weight. Imported plastic packaging will be liable to the tax, whether the packaging is unfilled or filled.