If you've read our in a nutshell piece, you will know how keen we are on recycling. Whether you think that global warming is a scientific fact or a clever ruse to raise indirect taxation, it still makes sense for consumers to recycle as much as they possibly can. If we don't, then we are (literally) digging a pretty big hole for ourselves! It is also arguably morally correct that the people who generate and distribute new consumer products should share some responsibility for the disposal of the old products that are being replaced. If you want to know the scale of the problem, click here.

From July 2007, the UK's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations oblige all producers of electrical equipment to pay for take-back treatment and recycling of end of life equipment. In addition, all new EEE must be marked with the 'crossed out wheeled bin' symbol (shown below). This symbol aims to encourage consumers to separate out WEEE, so that it is not included with general household waste.

As a distributor of EEE Creative Audio is obliged to facilitate the take-back of household WEEE from UK consumers. We have decided to fulfil our obligation in this area by joining the Government approved "Distributor Take-Back scheme" (DTS) set up by Valpak (view our certificate). By joining the Valpak scheme, Creative Audio is contributing to the establishment of a network of Designated Collection Facilities (DCF) where consumers can dispose of their WEEE free of charge, for recycling and treatment in an ecologically sound manner. In this way Creative Audio can ensure that WEEE is disposed of by customers in a way that optimizes its re-use and recycling. Because of our membership of the Valpak scheme, Creative Audio will not accept returns of household WEEE itself and cannot accept WEEE returns for recycling: neither do we make arrangements for its collection. Instead, we ask that you take your old piece of equipment to a designated collection facility (DCF) run by Valpak in your area, where it will be processed for free. Please see www.recycle-more.co.uk where you will find details of your nearest recycling depot and more information on the WEEE scheme in general.

The importance of efficient recycling cannot be overstated. Not only does it save on resources, it also ensures that the hazardous substances contained in many electrical goods are dealt with properly and not allowed to harm the environment or human health.