UK companies are being urged to take advantage of free advice to help prepare for the impending electronic waste (WEEE) legislation.

The WEEE directive requires producers to recycle out of date electronics or products at the end of their lifespan, to prevent them being dumped in landfill. Envirowise, the Government-sponsored programme, is offering help with ways to do this cheaply and effectively.

It is encouraging companies to sign up to its free and confidential designtrack service, which focuses on minimising the environmental impact of a product over its entire lifecycle.

On-site guidance on cleaner design, including how to update products and processes to achieve environmental improvements and cost-savings, as well as advice on legislation, are all free.

“The WEEE directive poses a real challenge to producers and effective implementation requires significant planning and preparation," explained Envirowise programme director Martin Gibson.

“Businesses need to start changing processes now if they are to meet the requirements of the new legislation. A designtrack visit will help companies to do this.”

To arrange a designtrack visit or to find our more about the help available from Envirowise, call the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585 794 or visit www.envirowise.gov.uk.