Router recycling

[igenlode]

My Internet service provider sent me an (unsolicited) new router, probably so that they could ensure that I had their up-to-date security firmware. The box came with a letter telling me that for the sake of the environment I must not put the old one in the bin and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive stated that it should be recycled - just "package up your device and any associated unwanted accessories like cables and send it to: WEEE Returns" and they would "process your old device for recycling free of charge".

When I packaged it up as directed and took it to the Post Office they informed me that as this was not a Freepost address it was very much not free of charge and I would have to pay several pounds for the privilege of recycling my electronic equipment, so I took it home again. I thought they were legally *obliged* to take back the old equipment when selling/sending you new devices?

This seems like a very good way of getting out of your recycling obligations, since I can't imagine many people are public-spirited enough to pay return postage on an object they never asked for in the first place; they will all simply go straight in the bin. ("Alternatively, you can find a local recycling centre at www.recyclenow.com" -- none of those appear to accept routers, or at least don't include them in the very long drop-down list of equipment types you have to pick from...)

---

The marigolds have suddenly popped up overnight...

Comments

[watervole]

Ha! Does make a mockery of the regulation.