Revised data produced by the Environment Agency covering 2014 shows that the UK has met and exceeded the target for the year which was to collect 490,000 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

There had been some concerns that the target might not have been met after provisional data in March 2015 showed that the UK could be 10,000 tonnes short of the target.

The figures contrasted sharply with a statement from the Department for Business that the UK had met its targets. The BIS figures were based on reports from compliance schemes evidence generated at the WEEE settlement centre and some observers thought that the Department might have been a bit hasty in making its announcement.

However, following late submissions by the operators of a number of Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities the Agency data suggested that targets have been met. The operators are responsible for issuing WEEE evidence.

The Agency numbers came soon after BIS set its final target for 2015 with compliance schemes given a raised target of 506,878 for the year. This is well above the actual number needed to meet the EU target for the UK in 2015 of 484,661 tonnes.