Retailer take back
Retailers must provide free in-store take back for old electrical and electronic equipment from customers. This must be done on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis. This means that the old product must be of the same type or have fulfilled the same function as the new item purchased. For example a consumer buying a toaster may return a toaster but a consumer buying a computer may not return a toaster with that particular purchase. A retailer may, with the permission of their local authority, put in place alternative arrangements for take-back. This alternative must not be less convenient for the customer than returning the waste to the shop when buying a new product.
If you forget to bring your old items with you when buying your new items you will have 15 days from the date of purchase of the new items in which to do so. Alternatively, if the product is being delivered you are entitled to have the old item collected at the same time for no extra cost on the same one-for-one, like for like basis. If a new product is being delivered to a customer’s home retailers cannot charge for collection of the waste equipment (although a retailer can charge a delivery fee). Retailers must give 24 hours notice of delivery and the old item must be disconnected from all utilities. If you do not wish to avail of the free collection of waste equipment on delivery of new equipment, then you have 30 days to return it to the retailer’s premises if you wish to avail of free retailer take back.