The new EU Directive on e-waste has entered into force, with the objective of collecting 85% of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) by 2020.
The benefits of collection and proper treatment of e-waste include recycling of materials such as metals, and generating secondary sources of raw materials.
E-waste has been identified as one of the fastest growing waste streams.
13 August 2012: A new EU Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment (E-Waste or WEEE) entered into force on 13 August 2012, setting a 45% collection target for sold electronics that will apply from 2016, and a target of 65% of equipment sold by 2019. The Directive aims to improve collection of e-waste, which has been identified as one of the fastest growing waste streams.
The benefits of collection and proper treatment of e-waste include recycling of materials such as metals, generating secondary sources of raw materials. The Directive also will make it easier for EU Member States to combat illegal export of e-waste, closing loopholes that allowed exporters to ship e-waste as used electronics.
The current WEEE collection target is 4 kg per capita, only 20% per annum of WEEE generated in the EU. However, the new Directive will increase collection to around 85% of WEEE in 2020.
Under the Directive: Member States have until February 2014 to amend legislation on e-waste; by 2016 Member States will be responsible for ensuring collection of 45% of WEEE; by 2018, the scope of the Directive will apply to all electrical and electronic equipment; and by 2019 collection will increase to 65% or 85% of WEEE generated. [EU Press Release] [New WEEE Directive]