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THE WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive has already been introduced in many European countries and in the UK it was introduced in January (2007) after many years of consultation with interested parties.
Governments are required to ensure systems are in place to collect discarded items. Producers must assume financial responsibility for the cost of recycling or disposal of their goods and for meeting targets on recovery, re-use, and recycling including historical waste.
What does this mean for consumers?
In terms of electronic and electrical products, you will notice little difference other than an end of life recycling fee which might be hidden in the cost of the product or shown as a separate charge. The products that will be affected are:
- Large household appliances
- Small household appliances (incl. clocks and scales etc)
- It and telecommunication equipment
- Brown goods - tv/hi-fi/video recorders etc
- Lighting equipment
- Electrical and electronic tools , e/g/ drills/ lawnmowers/sewing machines
- Toys and leisure games, e.g. train sets/ video games
- Medical equipment systems
- Monitoring and control equipment, e.g. thermostats, control panels
- Automatic dispensers, e.g. drinks machines
Long Term Benefits for consumers
Even though you may pay slightly more for your new product, you should benefit from:
- Longer lasting products with more durability built in
- Products that are easier to repair
- Availability of replacement parts - the current average of 10 years is not considered long enough.
- More value from the product in terms of design and durability and repairability
- Rogue non-complying manufacturers may see their products banned in Europe so we may see a gradual end to cheap throwaway product which breaks after a few uses and for which you cannot get a replacement part.
- Less product going to landfill, a reduction in the "throwaway society" which are two of the main drivers behind the directives and the "sustainable development" debate.
Both Directives can be read in full and downloaded from the European Union's website; www.europa.eu.int.
