HP tackles WEEE issues
Hewlett-Packard to supply information pack to its channel
Hewlett-Packard (HP) last week attempted to tackle growing channel confusion about the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive by supplying its partners with an information pack.
Many VARs are unclear whether or not they are classed as ‘producers’ under the regulations. But according to HP, if a partner buys HP products from HP UK (or an accredited distributor), then HP is the producer. But if a partner buys HP products from a distributor or HP, either of which are based abroad, then it is the producer.
Kirstie McIntyre, environmental takeback compliance manager at HP, said: “Most VARs will not be classified as producers, but those that are need to sign up to a Producer Compliance Scheme [PCS] by 15 March.”
The Environment Agency has approved 37 PCSs so far (CRN, 5 March). HP, along with other major manufacturers including Sony, has founded a PCS called European Recycling Platform (ERP).
The Department of Trade and Industry, said: “Once producers register with a PCS by 15 March, the schemes then have until 31 March to register their members with the environment agencies. The agencies will then issue compliance schemes with producer registration numbers for their members. Producers will need to provide that number to anyone selling or distributing their equipment.”