Return Router under WEEE scheme

[MarkEverest]

Hi,

I've left Vodafone broadband and I'd like to return my router for recycling uder the WEEE scheme, so it doesn't end up in landfil.

However, I cannot find anmy detials on the VF website about this,

Where can I send it please? I don't mind paying the shipping costs.

Thanks

[CrimsonLiar]

Yup there's a WEEE policy, but no implementation listed anywhere.

I'm sure this used to be included in the T&Cs, and from memory consisted of calling customer services, who would then promise to send a returns bag, but fail to send the bag, and sometimes even chase the customer for its return!

[HappyNomad]

Broadband router return – If you have a Home Broadband router that needs returning to us, please get in touch by calling 08080 034 515, free from all UK landlines and mobiles or 191 from a Vodafone mobile.

What happens next?

• We’ll let you know your options and send you a returns pack
  
  

You may need to remind them of their obligations under WEEE Regulations 2013 (as amended) or alternatively, your local authority recycling centre may be an option.   Good luck.

[Jayach]

Well done for wanting to do the right thing. there are many way to recycle electrical items, some local councils collect unwanted electricals from your home.

Check here: Recycle Your Electricals - WEEE Recycling - Material Focus

[MarkD]

Hi @MarkEverest, you can contact our Customer Care team who can arrange a prepaid bag to return the router or you can take the device to a WEEE Recycling Centre. Just to add to the previous messages, you can also drop the router at a local Vodafone store, if you're unsure where the closest one is, you can use our store locator here. 

[BarnFarmer]

Mark

I just tried to ask for a return bag quoting your post but they said they couldn't and I needed to return it to a store or throw it in the bin!!!

[CrimsonLiar]

If you care to talk to them again, it might be worthwhile explaining that not accepting returns would put them in breach of UK WEEE regulations and they could be reported to the relevant watchdog!

[Ripshod]

It would be easier to just phone the council and ask them where you can dispose of it.

[HappyNomad]

The number shown in the third post of this thread is still shown on the 'Return an item' web page…

"Broadband router – call us on 191 free from Vodafone devices, or 08080 034 515, from any other UK landline or mobile."

The wording suggests that such returns are for 'change of mind' cancellations but may be worth a try.

That said, rather than faffing and fannying around trying to find Vodafone’s customer service unicorn, the next time I was passing a Vodafone store, I would simply take the router in, leave it on the counter with a brief but polite explanation of why it was on their counter and then leave the store empty handed… no further discussion/argument necessary.

Conscience clear as I will have taken a proper measure to avoid landfill and I will have assisted Vodafone in its stated mission to refurbish or properly recycle its hardware.

Most if not all council amenity sites (local tip) will have a specific small electricals skip/container/corner too.

[Jayach]

Here we take them to the local library as well. Electrical Recycling | Castle Point

Check your own council's web site.