The EU's Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and the Restricting Certain Hazardous Substances (ROHS) Directive in electrical goods came into effect in February 2003. It should be implemented in all Member States by August 2004.
The WEEE Directive sets criteria for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment. It makes "producers" responsible for financing most of these activities, and the DTI suggests a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine for those failing to comply. Producers include manufacturers and resellers of equipment purchased outside the EU. Private householders are to be able to return WEEE without charge.
The ROHS Directive facilitates the dismantling and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment by restricting the use of hazardous substances used in their manufacture.
The UK's implementing laws do not need to come into force until August next year.
Last week, citing a delay in publishing the draft regulations and guidance notes, the DTI confirmed that it would not meet the implementation deadline of 13th August 2004.
The drafts are due to be published in the next few weeks, and a three-month consultation period will follow. The DTI hopes that the regulations will be laid before Parliament for approval shortly thereafter.