Nortel signs for the three Rs of WEEE

Telecomms giant Nortel has appointed Sims Recycling Solutions as its strategic European partner for the recovery, redeployment and recycling of end-of-life electronic equipment

Sims Recycling Solutions has been appointed as Nortel's strategic European partner for the recovery, redeployment and recycling (RRR) of Nortel end-of-life electronic equipment. Under the agreement, customers in all countries across Europe can now simply contact Nortel via dedicated telephone hotlines or email, and arrange for the appropriate disposal of their waste electrical and electronic equipment.

The organisation has been working with Sims since the start of 2006, with this new agreement being put in force in December of last year to help Nortel achieve and exceed targets set by the WEEE Directive.

We are delighted that Nortel has chosen to use our services and believe that together, we are helping to improve the environment through the expansion and advancement of recycling and safe disposal activities', said Rene Kik, European Business Development Director, Sims Recycling Solutions.

All Nortel products have been WEEE marked since August 2005 and customers are provided with disassembly documentation for their equipment.

In the UK, Nortel has operated an investment recovery centre for over 10 years, which is responsible for recovering Nortel equipment from customers and redeploying it elsewhere.

In 2006, Nortel's UK facility, located in Oakdale, has recovered over 720 tonnes (98.5%) of material via Sims Recycling Solutions, with only 1.5% being sent to landfill.

'Nortel is focused on the three Rs of recovery, redeployment and recycling', said David Huculak, Nortel Global Investment Recovery Leader.

'We're committed to recycling and taking responsibility for Nortel products, from design and manufacture through to end of life'.

'Working with Sims Recycling Solutions we're also able to simplify the process of e- waste disposal for our customers'.

'It's good for the environment and it's good for business'.