WEEE sorted

New software, developed at

, aims to show businesses how to navigate the latest legislation on handling electrical and electronic equipment at the end of its useful life.

SortED Version 1.1 has been developed in response to new European legislation called the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, which is due to become law in the United Kingdom from July 2006. The directive will require all companies who manufacture, resell or import electrical and electronic equipment, to take responsibility for recovering and reusing or recycling large percentages of their waste.

The new resource has been developed by Dr. Tracy Bhamra and Dr. Vicky Lofthouse from the Department of Design and Technology with the aid of an innovation fellowship grant.

SortED Version 1.1 is a unique package for those who are required to comply with the forthcoming WEEE Directive. Potential users include:

• Design teams and design managers
• Managing directors of SMEs and multi-national companies
• Health and safety managers
• Environmental consultants
• Individuals and companies wishing to find out more about the WEEE directive.

By guiding users through three simple stages SortED Version 1.1 enables them to quickly identify clear product targets set by the WEEE directive. It provides detailed case study examples for each of the ten categories of WEEE, to demonstrate end of life strategies, with specific design suggestions and considerations and downloadable worksheets for each, to help companies assess their products at their own pace, quickly and easily. There are also numerous links to additional sources of expert help. It has been created specifically for design teams and uses a simple visual interface and everyday language.

Copies can be ordered from www.weee-sorted.co.uk for £40 per seat. Contact 01509 222777 or enquiries@weee-sorted.co.uk