European Parliament approves new WEEE directive

In its second reading on the 19^th January 2012, the European Parliament has reached an agreement on „recast proposals for the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment Directive“.

Thereby, the Parliament recognizes the importance of WEEE as a secondary source for critical raw materials. The new rules, which introduce higher WEEE collection targets in the EU, are expected to enter into force in the summer following a last agreement by the Council of Ministers and their publication in the EU’s official journal.

The legislation obliges EU countries to collect up to 85% of junked refrigerators, mobile phones, computers and other electronic products by 2019 for recycling, replacing a current system based on weight. The Commission had recommended a 65% target. Only about one-third of electronic waste is recycled today, and half is exported, according to Parliament.

Among other provisions, the new WEEE directive:

-          Requires larger retailers to provide collection points for discarded phones and other small devices to encourage consumers to recycle.

-          Introduces new requirement aimed at preventing European companies from dumping potentially hazardous goods outside the EU.

The more demanding collection and recycling targets are in line with the EU’s commitment to improve resource efficiency. Gold, silver and rare earths metals contained in discarded products or shipped abroad could be recycled in Europe to cut dependence on imports.

Eurometaux, the European Association of Metals, has welcomed the ambitious agreement as a recognition of the importance of WEEE as a secondary resource and also welcomes the adoption of provisions to ensure that WEEE are treated, recycled and recovered and that used EEE are prepared for re-use in a qualitative and environmentally sound manner.

More on WEEE in our legislation section.

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