Since last summer the WEEE directive is under review with possible proposals to revise the legislation (EED 22/06/06).

Four central issues are under consideration: revision of targets for WEEE collection, reuse, recovery, and recycling; the scope of the directive; operation of the producer responsibility provisions; and treatment requirements.

Additionally, the European Commission assesses the option of including new types of equipment in the scope of the directive, as well as excluding others, particularly those covered under “users other than private households” or those containing low levels of hazardous substances.

Furthermore, the national implementation of producer responsibility requirements will be reviewed including the costs of waste management, the efficiency of collection schemes, and differences in labelling requirements. Possible changes in treatment requirements could finally force countries to use specific techniques and technologies.

According to engineering industry trade body Orgalime the directive has not been applied consistently across the EU. The association asks for harmonised registration and reporting requirements in particular.