The UK has until August 13 2004 to implement the Directive into domestic law. The government has said it aims to achieve a regulatory structure which is “proportionate and effective at delivering the environmental goals, at minimum cost”.
The Department of Trade and Industry is keen to hear from anyone likely to be affected by the WEEE Directive or its sister Directive on the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS).
- See the letsrecycle.com legislation section section for more information on the WEEE and RoHS Directives.
The consultation will have “three distinct phases” in the 18-months before the implementation deadline, with this first stage seeking views by May 31 2003.
Mark Downs, head of recycling policy at the DTI, explained that today's paper is aimed at explaining the requirements of the Directives and outlining initial Government thoughts.
He said :”The responses will play an important part in helping us develop detailed options for implementation ready for a further consultation later this year. The last stage in the transposition process will be the development of draft Regulations for a final round of consultation in 2004.”
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Click here
for the government's WEEE and RoHS consultation paper.
The discussion document is divided into two parts the first dealing with the WEEE
Directive and the second with ROHS. The WEEE section looks at product design, WEEE collection, treatment, recovery and the reporting of compliance. It also looks at the financing of the system.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may have separate consultations, since WEEE falls under the devolved administrations control, but this is still under discussion.
Hard copies are also available by contacting Paul Creary at the DTI on 020 7215 5824 or by emailing paul.creary@dti.gsi.gov.uk
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