Why a directive on electrical scrap?
-
The generation of WEEE is expected to increase considerably in the near future. Estimations indicate that the amount will double in little more than 10 years. Electrical and electronics equipment consist of a complex mixture of components and materials. To prevent environmental problems when the products are about to be scrapped the end of life treatment aims at limiting the amount of waste going to final disposal, for example through materials recycling.
-
What exactly does the WEEE Directive cover?
-
The proposed EU Directive on WEEE places an obligation on the producers of electronic and electrical equipment to take-back 'end-of-life' or waste products free of charge in an effort to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfills.
A sister Directive, ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), complements the WEEE Directive by banning the presence of specific hazardous substances in products at the design phase.
-
What is the objective of the WEEE Directive?
-
The objective of the directive is to harmonize the current management of WEEE and address the environment problems associated with the current methods for the treatment and disposal. It aims to contribute to the harmonisation of national measures on the management of WEEE in order to ensure the function of the internal market. Objectives include:
- Increase effectiveness of national recycling policies.
- Reduce/eliminate substantial disparities in the financial burden for economic operators.
- Address the potential implications on trade in electrical and electronic equipment due to the diverging national requirements on the phasing out of specific substances.
The other important objective of the WEEE directive is to promote the environmental design of products through the individual producer responsibility.
-
How does the WEEE Directive affect industry?
-
The directive is addressed to EU member states. Business will have to comply with national legislation implementing the measures. The directive outlines a series of measures for manufacturers/producers, including measures on the separate collection of WEEE, the treatment of WEEE and the recovery of such waste.
Manufacturers/producers involved will have to:
- Take financial and physical responsibility for certain phases of the waste management of their products (including adapting the design of products to the prerequisites of sound waste management and enabling private households to return equipment free of charge).
- Ensure separate collection of WEEE through appropriate systems and achieve certain recycling and recovery targets.
- Set up appropriate systems that improve treatment and re-use / recycling of WEEE (treatment plants).
- Ensure labelling of equipment (specially for private users).
-
What is the financial responsibility for manufacturers/producers in respect to the collection of waste from private households to municipal collection points?
-
Producers are not responsible for the collection of waste from private households. The producer's responsibility begins at the municipal collection points.
For electrical and electronic equipment not used by private households, the financing of the waste management will need to be agreed between the producer and the user of the equipment at the time of purchase.
-
When does the WEEE Directive come into effect?
-
Member States have to transpose the WEEE Directive into national law until 13 August 2004, including:
- Set up of national registers to identify and calculate market share of producers by type of equipment.
- Establishment of municipality collection points for private households.
- Involve distributors in the collection system (i.e. retailers).
- Recycling and other waste management facilities comply with agreed standards.
The financial responsibility of producers will come into effect on 13 August 2005, after a period of transition.
-
How should manufacturers/producers handle waste management for products sold before entry into force of the legislation?
-
In order to give producers the necessary time to comply with the obligations, especially regarding the management of waste from products put on the market before entry into force of the legislation (historical waste), a transition period of 5 years after the entry into force of the directive is granted. Producers' responsibility will come into effect in September 2005.
For products sold before September 2005, producers are jointly responsible for the recycling. For products sold after September 2005, producers are responsible for the recycling of their own products ONLY (Individual Producer Responsibility) and will have to provide a financial guarantee for the management of their own future "end of life" products.
-
Will the WEEE Directive have a direct impact on consumers?
-
The WEEE Directive will allow consumers to dispose of electronic and electrical equipment for recycling free of charge. Waste management costs will be integrated in the product price at the time of purchase.
-
What are the potential direct/indirect costs of the WEEE Directive?
-
As of today, it is difficult to predict the costs based on the fact that the directive requires specific treatments that are not in place today. Also, recycling costs may change over time and national requirements are not known in detail.
-
What are your views, as industry representatives, on the WEEE Directive?
-
Braun, Electrolux, HP and Sony favour the principle of Individual Producer Responsibility within the WEEE Directive, to promote the sustainable production of electronic and electrical goods.
-
What are the expected take back costs for manufacturers?
-
Costs will vary depending on the type of product (including design of the product). It will also vary from country to country, depending on the waste collection system, the financial model and consumer behaviour.
