Proposal for
Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE
Directive)
Proposal for
Directive on the restriction of the use of hazardous substances
in EEE
Draft proposal for
Directive on the impact on the environment of EEE (proposed
from DG Enterprises)
Regulations in
force: The Netherlands (large appliances plus IT: since Janauary
1999, others: since January 2000)
Norway: take back
regulation enforced from July 1999 (not brand related. Distinction between
business and private households)
Switzerland: in
place since July 1998. Advanced disposal fee.
Italy:comprehensive
waste management decree in 1996 calls for take back of refrigerators,
washing machines, Tvs and computers.
Network for refrigerators was launched in 1997,
followed most likely by computers and TVs. Take back free of charge when purchasing a
similar new product.
Denmark: regulation
on WEEE has been in place since December 1999, BUT it is
NOT EPR (local government is primarily responsible for the end-of-life management of EEE)
Sweden: will be
enforced in July 2001 (one-for-one, old-for-new take-back. NOT brand
related.) Strong emphasis on hazardous
substances (no recycling targets) and Informative
responsibility (material content and measures for
disassembly to treatment plants, their responsibility to consumers)
Regulations
discussed:
Austria (draft is
there, but waiting for the EU WEEE to come. Surcharge on the
new products. Dispute exists as to which electronic scrap should be considered hazardous),
Finland (pilot
project is going on)
France: a plan for
collection and recycling of WEEE has been signed by the national
association of mayors and three trade associations represenging manufacturers and retailers (Oct. 2000)
Germany: Draft
regulation (originally covering only IT and communication equipment, now covering virtually every EEE) has been discussed for a long time. Yet it is now waiting for the EU Directive to be
enacted. Focal points
of discussion include cost sharing producers and municipalities (i.e. Regarding sorting), and inclusion of historical products.