Recycling of IT equipment to become law – UK consults

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.

The Directives apply to a wide range of products, including IT, telecoms, TV, Video, hi-fi, electrical and electronic tools, toys, sports equipment and medical devices and must be law in 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 Department of Trade and Industry 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.

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 DTI, launching its consultation process, said it is aiming to ensure that implementing legislation is proportionate and cost effective in achieving its environmental goals.
The measures aim to reduce risks to human health and the environment by improving treatment of electrical waste and reducing hazardous substances in electrical equipment. They should help reduce air pollution, including CO2 and ozone depleting substances.

The paper describes what the Directives do and seeks views on issues such as finance and collection.

The consultation paper is available as a 129-page PDF.

The WEEE Directive is available as a 15-page PDF.

The ROHS Directive is available as at 5-page PDF.