The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, is one of the series of producer responsibilities Directives that makes producers of new equipment responsible for paying for the treatment and recycling of products once they have been used to their fullest extent. These new laws affect any business that manufactures brands or imports EEE as well as the businesses that sell store or treat Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE).

Recycling is one of the best ways in which to have a positive impact upon the world in which we live in. Recycling is highly beneficial for the natural environment and human beings. The amount of the rubbish we create and dump into the environment is rapidly increasing everyday, which is having a horrendous effect on the environment, resulting in global warming and the increase in temperature rise.

No, we're not talking about the Wii - the latest must-have games console from Nintendo - but European Union legislation. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) 2006 directive concerns the responsible disposal of electrical and computer equipment by companies and individuals, and is now enshrined in European Law. The Environment Agency sums it up thus: "This directive aims to reduce the amount of WEEE being produced and encourages everyone to reuse, recycle and recover it.

It goes without saying that when you set off on your travels you pack clean clothes, toiletries and other essentials - such as headache tablets - into your chosen luggage type. But, to get the most out of your time on the move on in your hotel, what else should you take with you? Here's a top ten of useful items and gadgets:

1. Universal plug - If you are planning to use anything electrical, such as a hair dryer, travel iron or mobile phone charger in your hotel room, then make sure the universal plug is one of the first items you pack.

As with most electrical items computers have become totally disposable when it comes to buying a new model. If one breaks down it is often cheaper to buy a complete new set-up rather than have your equipment repaired. Or, if you simply need a go-faster, bigger-memory machine in some cases it may also be cheaper to buy new, than upgrade. So, what can you actually do with old computer equipment? Is it possible to recycle it or is your PC destined for the landfill?

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