As the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) regulations descend on the UK, recycling experts have warned that many businesses and local authorities are ill-prepared for the new laws.

Recycling experts Key Recycling Group, part of the Key Eco Group based in Scotland, said that, although the European directive comes into force this year, few firms are geared up for the legislation or understand the implications for their business.

"Even those few who are aware of this new legislation are seeing it as a burden rather than an opportunity, but this need not be the case," said Stephen Melville, chief executive at Key Recycling Group.

"From July this year the WEEE regulations will put responsibility for the safe disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment firmly with the producer, so there are important legal and compliance issues to consider."

Melville believes that, with foresight, businesses can avoid prosecution and use the regulations to generate revenue through volume recycling.

A significant proportion of the electrical and electronic equipment that is dumped each year can be recycled.

"Approximately 30 per cent of all electrical waste can be recycled and reused, and the money earned put back into the council or business to meet handling costs and fund more facilities," said Melville.