New Year Brings WEEE Updates to UK

The UK is the first EU member state to enact Europe’s revisions to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations, with the new rules set to take effect in that country in the new year.

The new system will include targets for Producer Compliance Schemes, the collectives that electronics manufacturers, importers and re-branders must join to finance proper e-waste disposal. If the PCSs don’t meet their targets, producers can pay a fee – they no longer have to buy “recycling evidence” from other PCSs that over-collect, Lighting reports.

Compliance scheme Recolight describes the new law as fairer. But companies said there is still some confusion over the various categories covered by the law.

The European Parliament passed more stringent targets under the WEEE Directive last year, requiring member states to collect 65 to 85 percent of their e-waste by 2019. The new rules amend the Directive 2002/96/EC, in force since February 2003.

Under the new regulations, used solar PV modules must now be recycled. The regulations also set documentation requirements for exporters shipping e-waste for repair or re-use, in an effort to stop illegal shipments to developing countries.

Takeaway: The UK is the first EU country to enact the WEEE recast, in an effort to expand the recycling of electrical goods.

Tamar Wilner is Senior Editor at Environmental Leader PRO.

Picture credit: Environment Agency