New WEEE data gives insight into collection and recycling rates

Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for Environment

Close to half of all waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) across Europe is not properly processed.

New figures include data for WEEE that is difficult to gather information for, and therefore may not have been previously reported to the European Commission under WEEE Directive obligations. These regulations aim to address environmental concerns by promoting sustainable production and consumption, particularly in light of the growing number of discarded electronic items.

Electronic waste contains a complex mixture of materials, some of which are hazardous. These can cause major environmental and health problems if the discarded devices are not managed properly. In addition, modern electronics contain rare and expensive resources, which can be recycled and reused if the waste is effectively managed. This is of course a priority when considering the finite resources available for manufacturing.

The law regarding WEEE

• WEEE Directive (consolidated version)
• WEEE Directive

Secondary law

• Implementing regulation on a common calculation methodology for the weight of EEE placed on national markets and the quantity of WEEE generated
• Implementing regulation establishing a harmonised format for registration and reporting of producers to the national registers
• Implementing decision laying down common rules for data calculation, verification and reporting and establishing data formats