The WEEE Directive sets out requirements for the separate collection, treatment and recycling of electrical equipment. The consultation also covers the related Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, which limits the use of certain harmful chemicals in the manufacture of equipment.
As with the previous consultation, the Department of Trade and Industry is taking the lead on the legislation with support from DEFRA and the Environment Agency.
Commenting on the consultation, energy minister Stephen Timms said: “These proposals will bring enormous environmental benefits and will contribute towards the development of more sustainable products. The Government is committed to implementing the Directive in a proportionate way, delivering the environmental benefits without damaging UK competitiveness.”
The government is keen to show its support for the national “clearing house” to organise collections of WEEE from central collection points, which has been proposed by manufacturers who will be taking responsibility for collection and recycling costs.
However, the second consultation paper acknowledges that many contentious issues remain surrounding the collection and treatment of WEEE.
On the issue of collections, the government says that it intends to take a flexible approach to in-store take-back for retailers but will not require local authorities to provide facilities at their civic amenity sites to collect WEEE.
In a letter to stakeholders, Dr Mark Downs, head of recycling policy and producer responsibility at the DTI, wrote: “Many of the fine details of implementation still need to be developed and we look forward to working with you over the coming months to finalise these with a view to a final consultation on the draft legislation in late spring 2004.”
The deadline for responses to the consultation paper is March 1 2004 and the European Directives are due to be transposed into UK by August 13, 2004.
The consultation paper and its supporting documents are available in electronic form on the DTI's Sustainable Development website.
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