In what seems at first a paradox, this paper argues that we should not recycle all Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) without first considering the possible dangers and risks involved, such as: - 1. Recycling items that could instead be reused, so saving on materials consumed in the production of EEE plus possibly generating additional revenue to finance recycling activities. 2. Data that is protected or confidential and the release of which could lead to embarrassment, civil and / or criminal prosecution and possible imprisonment. 3. Products that are unsafe to either people and / or our environment because of electrical hazards, hazardous materials used and possible biohazards. 4. Using inefficient technologies and processes may not only impair recycling efficiency and contamination of WEEE materials, but could increase the risk of environmental damage and harm. One thing not to be recycled is Britain's reputation as the "Dirty Man of Europe"―WEEE recycling targets can and are already being met in the UK.
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