Paragraph 40 allows certain electrical and electronic wastes to be recovered by repair and refurbishment.
What the legislation says
What Paragraph 40 exemption permits
Paragraph 40 (1) (2) allows the repair or refurbishment for its original purpose, of certain types of waste electrical and electronic equipment using best available techniques that are:
- the best available, and
- in compliance with the WEEE directive.
The exemption specifies limits, which must be adhered to on:
- storage volumes, and
- daily treatment tonnages
Paragraph (3) (4) allows other types of electrical and electronic wastes which are hazardous to be stored, repaired and refurbished under the same conditions as above but with an additional requirement to store and treat in a way which prevents the escape of ozone depleting gasses, if applicable.
Paragraph (5) allows secure storage of any of the wasted listed in the tables, for up to 12 months prior to treatment at the location where the activity is to be carried out.
Paragraphs (6) and (7) sets out the detail of the conditions referred to above, which must be complied with, to qualify for the treatment and storage activities permitted by Paragraph 1-4.
Questions and answers
The following section covers questions you may still have about the Paragraph 40 exemption
Example of an activity that is suitable for registration under a Paragraph 40 exemption
A company provides a service collecting redundant IT equipment arising from organisational upgrades which it returns to its own depot for repair and refurbishment.
This type of activity is normally covered by a Paragraph 40 exemption, provided all other limitations of the exemption are met.
Example of an activity that would not be suitable for registration under a Paragraph 40 exemption
A company collects redundant IT equipment arising from organisational upgrades with the intention of:
- breaking up the equipment, and
- recycling the components.
The breaking of electronic equipment for the purpose of recycling components is not covered by this exemption. This activity is likely to require a permit.
Who do I speak to if I want a notification form to be sent to me by post or if I still have a query about this exemption that is not covered here?
For general enquires, or to request a notification by post, phone our National Customer Contact Centre on 0370 8506506. If they cannot help you with your query, they may pass you to someone in our area offices who will assist with more technical enquiries.
If you think that you can meet the requirements of the Paragraph 40 exemption and wish to proceed with the registration, please use the forms below:
Do not try and use these forms to notify a new site. They can now only be used to renew an existing exemption.
