Insight
We fund technical research on the barriers to reusing and recycling old electricals. Insight from this research galvanises new and innovative approaches to recycling.
Investing in the networkWe fund technical research on the barriers to reusing and recycling old electricals. Insight from this research galvanises new and innovative approaches to recycling.
Investing in the networkWe work with partners to grow the number and type of collection points, making it easier for everyone to recycle their old electricals.
Investing in the networkMaterial Focus inspires people to change their behaviour. We do this by revealing the hidden value of the materials in our old electricals, and providing practical information on how to recycle them.
Get involvedAll of our income comes from the WEEE Compliance Fee. We have committed £3m to behaviour change campaigns to encourage the public to reuse and recycle unwanted electricals; £3.5m goes on technical research to tackle barriers to recycling; £3.5m to expand the network of collection and drop-off points; and £0.48m in charity sector grants to support local community organisations during this tough time. We’ve also committed almost £2m in loans to help the electrical recycling industry through Covid-19.
The UK government sets annual targets for recycling of all waste electricals, including small electricals, under the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations. If producers of electrical appliances don’t meet these targets, they contribute towards a WEEE Compliance Fee fund.
Material Focus manages this fund to support action that will increase reuse and recycling of old electricals across the UK.
More on WEEE RegulationsMaterial Focus has a Board made up of trade associations representing the producers of electrical appliances. The Board is responsible for overseeing the work of the campaign, guiding strategy and holding the organisation to account.
An independent advisory panel provides strategic direction for the disbursement of funds collected since 2019. The panel is made up of representatives from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities Forum (AATF Forum), Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling (ICER), Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC), National Association of Waste Disposal Officers (NAWDO), WEEE Schemes Forum (WSF), Reuse Network, Joint Trade Associations (JTA) and Environmental Services Association (ESA).
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