Whirlpool has revealed it has reached the 850,000 milestone for appliances recycled or refurbished at its Peterborough site.
The announcement was made as part of the REPIC WEEE cycle network event, which was being held to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the regulations.
“In the last 15 years we have made great strides in moving towards a complete circular production process,” Whirlpool said. “85% of what has passed through the site has been given a second life, with the remaining 130,000 units recycled by our on-site recycling partner.”
“We have also collected a further 165,000 tonnes of appliances to be recycled since 2010, providing the opportunity for the materials to be reused in new products. As well as opening three in-house factory outlet stores that are open to the public in Peterborough, Gateshead and Yate. We hope to open our fourth by the end of the year.”
“We have for many years responded and adjusted to the growing demand for right to repair and offered greater access to more cost-effective appliances. The 15-year WEEE anniversary provided us with the perfect milestone to share just how responsive we have been and will continue to be to meet the demands of today’s consumer.”
REPIC is the WEE compliance organisation set up in 2004 by three of the main trade associations in the electrical and electronics industry in response to the directive. REPIC funds the collection, transport, and treatment of around half of all separately collected household WEEE each year.
Louise Grantham, chief executive of REPIC, said “The recently introduced right to repair legislation placed the spotlight on the requirement for manufacturers to provide spares, repairs and reuse. For many REPIC members, like Whirlpool, it was a clear opportunity to showcase the extensive repair and reuse facilities that have already been in operation for many years.
“Today’s visit is the perfect platform to share the collective achievements of many producers, who wish to ensure that repairs are done to the right standard, using the right parts. REPIC is supporting its producer scheme members with their refurbishment and recycling processes and we’re delighted to share the milestone achievement with Whirlpool on today’s visit.”
The 15-year anniversary is being commemorated with an 850-mile-long bike ride that made 15 stops along its route. Each stop was at a site that was significant to the REPIC compliance scheme and represented a significant story from the scheme’s history.
Whirlpool’s Peterborough facility served as the 13th stop on the commemorative journey and was chosen to reflect both the milestone recycling figure, as well as the company’s status as a founding member of REPIC back in 2004. The compliance organisation provides electronic equipment providers with responsible solutions for their waste electronics, batteries and packaging.
Whirlpool has also recently announced a new UK managing director.