EPR & Take-back

VoCoVo is dedicated to minimising our environmental impact and fostering a circular economy, making effective waste management a vital part of our sustainability strategy.

Our approach focuses on waste prevention, increasing reuse and recycling, responsible disposal, and collaboration across our entire value chain.

As a supplier operating in most European countries, VoCoVo fully complies with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements for our Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), Batteries, and Packaging. This means we register with waste management schemes, report on the products we place on the market, and finance the corresponding schemes.

• What this means for our customers:

We cover the costs. VoCoVo retains full financial responsibility for all EPR compliance fees and internalises these costs within our operations. This ensures transparency and provides an extra level of service by guaranteeing consistent funding for compliance.

We manage end-of-life (EOL) obligations. VoCoVo absorbs the cost of taking back and disposing of all end-of-life VoCoVo WEEE, batteries, and packaging in countries where we have EPR obligations.

To ensure the correct disposal and management of products once they reach the end of their life cycle, we require your cooperation as customers.

Each product needs to be disposed of correctly and it is your responsibility to destine it to the appropriate waste facilities.

Our three key waste streams include:

• WEEE
• Batteries
• Packaging
  

Proper Disposal and WEEE Management: Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) plays a vital role in our lives, but it must be managed responsibly at the end of its life to protect the environment and human health. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we adhere to the core requirements for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) management.

Disposal Requirements for EEE Products

The Crossed-Out Wheeled Bin Symbol

All our EEE products bear the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. This universally recognised symbol is crucial: it signifies that the product must not be disposed of with ordinary household waste.

Why Separate Collection is Required

EEE products contain materials that can be recycled and recovered, reducing the need for new resources. They may also contain hazardous substances that, if improperly disposed of, can harm the environment and human health. Therefore, these products require separate collection and must be deposited at appropriate facilities to allow for recovery and recycling.

Your role as end-users

As an end-user, your role is essential in the responsible management of WEEE. You must be aware of the following information to help you manage your end-of-life products:

1. Your Role in the Circular Economy: Consumers play a crucial role in the processes of reuse, recycling, and recovery. By using the separate collection systems, you ensure that materials are responsibly managed.
2. Environmental and Health Effects: End-users must be aware that the correct disposal of WEEE is vital for limiting the environmental and health effects of hazardous substances contained within the equipment.
3. Understanding Product Labels: We provide explanations on the meaning of the labels used on our products, including the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol, to ensure proper disposal practices.
4. Collection and Return Systems: Information on the collection and return systems available to you, such as designated collection points, municipal waste facilities, and producer take-back schemes is provided on the Take back page.

Batteries power our devices, and responsible end-of-life management is critical to protect the environment and human health. This guide outlines how to handle and dispose of your batteries according to industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Battery Labeling and Product Design

We ensure all batteries meet essential regulatory standards to promote responsible waste management:

• Separate collection Labeling: All batteries display the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. This symbol signifies that the battery must not be disposed of in normal household waste streams.
• CE and UKCA marking: it demonstrates our batteries meets high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements
• Category and performance: all batteries have details on their composition, performance and manufacturer
• Safe Removal and Extraction: Batteries are designed to allow extraction, and consumers must follow the instructions on safe removal methods. This process is necessary before you dispose of the connected equipment.

Proper Disposal and Collection

Your cooperation is essential for safe and proper battery recycling:

• Recycling Resources: Do not improperly transport batteries or dispose of them in normal household waste.
• Collection Options: End-users must properly dispose of batteries at authorised facilities and collection points. For more information on waste facilities available at your location, please visit the Take back page.

Environmental and Health Risks

Improper disposal of batteries can result in environmental and human health risks. Improper disposal or transport may lead to fire, explosion, or other hazards.

To minimise risk and ensure safe handling:

• Avoid Mishandling: Do not modify or remanufacture/refurbish the battery, puncture or attempt to insert objects into the battery, or expose the battery to water, fire, or excessive heat.
• Temperature Control: Do not open, crush, heat above 45°C (113°F), or incinerate the battery. Keep devices and batteries away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight.
• Safe Disposal: Dispose of and transport your batteries and accessories according to local environmental and transportation regulations.

Packaging is a necessary part of ensuring your product arrives safely, but managing this waste responsibly is key to a sustainable environment. As a consumer, you have a critical role to play in ensuring packaging materials are reused or recycled correctly.

Your Obligations as a Consumer

The foundation of responsible packaging management lies in correct sorting and disposal. Your obligations include:

• Identifying Materials: You must utilise the information provided on the packaging to correctly identify the material types used, which helps you sort the waste accurately for recycling.
• Checking Reusability and Recyclability: Packaging labels indicate the reusability and recyclability of the product, guiding your decision on whether to reuse the item or place it into the correct recycling stream.

How We Ensure Compliance

We ensure that our packaging provides you with the necessary information to fulfill your disposal obligations:

• Clear Labeling: We ensure packaging displays labels showing the types of material used, and the reusability and recyclability of the product.
• Material Identification Codes: Our packaging carries material identification codes, in line with Commission Decision 97/129/EC, which helps both you and waste handlers identify and sort packaging correctly.
• Compliance Schemes: In many countries, our obligations are fulfilled through compliance schemes. For more information on waste facilities available at your location, please visit the Take back page.