No, it has nothing to do with fruit-picking down leafy lanes on a crisp, still Sunday morning in Autumn with the family tagging along. Rather, it’s the time to get hold of the latest Blackberry mobile handset, the latest ‘must have’ fashion accessory. But what will you do with the redundant handset? If you’re in the know, you’ll sell it to an authorised dealer and get some money back, just in time to spend at Christmas.

The introduction of the WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) legislation has created an entirely new industry, one which consumers can take fiscal advantage of. The legislation was introduced to reduce the millions of tons of electronic waste ending up in landfill. It is proving to be highly successful, and companies which dispose of electronic waste that is now classified as hazardous have to be licensed.

Making Money from Government Regulations – Now That’s a Nice Thought
Licensing is by way of the Environment Agency and is strictly policed and enforced. Any breach of the regulations will immediately result in a company losing its licence to trade. In addition, any company disposing of waste that has the potential to receive, store, and disseminate personal data has to apply for a licence from the Data Commissioner’s Office in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Anyone with electronic equipment can approach one of these firms, and many consumer items have a price attached to them, especially mobile phones and other hand-held devices. If, for example, you want to sell Blackberry Curve or other manufacturer handsets, you can do so through a licensed agency.

How Much Can I Expect to Get Paid?

Without knowing the type of handset, the model, age, and, of course, the condition it is in, it is difficult to put a price on it. However, all you have to do is fill out an online form, whether it is from a computer at work, at home, or even on your fancy new Smartphone. You will need to include the IMEI number, a 15-digit security code which is featured on every mobile communications handset.

Once you have done all this, you’ll get an instant feedback of how much the handset is worth and information on how to go about sending off your handset. Instructions are easy to follow, and at no point will you need a ‘degree in mobile phones.’ Some handsets are priced at a few quid while others can fetch a three-digit sum; one way or the other, it is better to have the money in your pocket than have your old handset languishing at home in the corner of a cupboard, drawer, or the family ‘glory hole.’ More and more consumers are cottoning on to the fact they can at least make a little money back from their old handset.
And remember, if you take your old handset in to the store, who do you think is going to pocket the money from the recycling? Certainly not you, and that’s a fact.