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WEEE comes into effect

Thursday 04 January, 2007

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations which require manufacturers and importers of equipment to improve recovery and recycling practices for potentially toxic e-waste have entered into force.

The new regulations, drawn up by the Department of Trade and Industry, require manufacturers to provide for collection, disposal and recycling and have waste treated at authorised facilities.

All electrical and electronic equipment, such as PCs, printers, and electronic gadgets, must be marked 'EEE' by April 1st.

The introduction of the regulations was delayed by disagreements over their scope, and some confusion remains among manufacturers about how WEEE waste will be picked up from consumers.

Local authorities are set to assume responsibility for treating and recycling household WEEE on July 1st.

Critics of the scheme cite research by law firm Eversheds which shows that 74 per cent of IT employees say they need more information about WEEE while 22 per cent have no idea what the directive states.

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