Introduction

ITACS is running a campaign for simple change to the UK regulatory framework that implemented the WEEE European Directive. ITACS asserts that the objectives of the Directive are welcome, noble and have not come quick enough. The framework places the small I.T. (and electrical) retailer at a huge cost disadvantage and endangers their viability. The responsive and value for money local I.T support for small businesses and the public will likewise disappear to be replaced by big company call centre support with visiting technicians attending with an urgency less than required and at much higher cost. All the details are contained in our downloadable documents section within the resources page on this site ( click to view ) Our campaign has included local MPs and papers, obtaining the support of trade magazines, key businesses and trade associations. We have written to the Government (DTI), discussed concerns with them by phone, have been promised a written response and, to date (6 weeks) have received neither an acknowledgement nor response. The petition is the next step in this campaign to persuade the Government to at least enter discussions.

This petition is for businesses only. For members of the public who wish to support us we have establish our WEEE-PLEAD petition on the Prime Minister’s website.  (click to view)  We ask with you to not only also sign that petition but to ask/persuade your employees to sign as well. We encourage you to use your networking tools and skills to inform your peer companies etc as well as your friends and relatives to give them the opportunity to also contribute to saving what is part of a now disappearing High Street.

Our WEEE PLEAD Petition for Businesses

Noble

The WEEE Directive is a noble cause; encouraging recycling of electronic equipment whilst reducing the amount going to landfill. We all support the principles.

Unfair

However, the Directive’s UK implementation has created a massively disproportionate cost impact on small local independent computer businesses and electrical retailers compared with the massive retailers. Registration fees alone are up to 10 times more per retail £ for this sector, whilst the disposal rules cause a 10-25% reduction in price competitiveness.

Small Businesses Recycle

The irony is that this sector that bears the brunt of the cost is the sector that inherently does most to recycle and prevent waste. Independent retailers, by their nature, preserve the lifecycle of computers through repairs and servicing, re-using salvageable parts for future repairs to otherwise obsolete equipment and re-working unwanted computers for resale.

Big Retail Generally Don’t

Internet retailers and multiples have no equivalent mechanism. These small companies survive tough competition from the multiples and internet retailers through the quality of support services they provide.

Final Straw

A multitude of local businesses rely on them day to day to maintain systems availability. They support the I.T. work placement programmes of local schools and colleges. The imposition of a system introducing unequal and disproportionate WEEE costs could be the final straw that breaks the camel’s back for thousands of these small businesses.

Impact

At further risk are the supply chain companies and jobs that serve this sector. The growing dominance of BigRetail plc would appear, at first glance, to maintain a downward pressure on inflation. However, the ultimate consequential impact would be an upward push as whole life costs to consumers and businesses increase through reduced choice for and increased cost of service and support.

Action

ITACS asks businesses to sign this petition in the hope that the Government will initiate re-evaluation to introduce fairness and equality.

We the undersigned businesses petition the Government to re-evaluate the disproportionate impact of the UK implementation of the European WEEE Directive against small retailers in favour of large retailers.