Government urges councils to collect WEEE at CA sites

The government confirmed last week that it would place “no new burdens” or obligations on local authorities for the collection of waste electrical items (see letsrecycle.com story).

But speaking at the DTI's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Awareness Raising Seminar in London yesterday, Daniel Kapadia of the producer responsibility unit at DEFRA highlighted the importance of local authorities in the collection of WEEE.

Councils may be able to apply for grants from an annual 5 million fund, he said, a fund likely to be provided by a retailer compliance scheme.

Mr Kapadia said that local authorities will also have direct access to the producer-funded clearing house system, which will be responsible for the collection of WEEE from central points including council CA sites.

He explained: “For local authorities, the increased collection will count towards their statutory recycling targets that they have to meet anyway. But all the disposal costs will be borne by the producers.”

LARAC

The Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee has welcomed the government's stance of not requiring councils to participate in the WEEE Directive and its proposal for funding for any activity they do contribute.

Andy Doran, chair of LARAC, said, “LARAC is heartened by the government's unequivocal line that local authorities should not face extra burdens under this producer responsibility legislation. However I know that many of our members are keen to play a part in the separate collection of WEEE where possible and funding for the upgrading of CA sites will assist in promoting joint working arrangements.”

But he warned that manufacturers and other stakeholders should not delay choosing a collection system in order to give councils time to prepare. “It is now up to industry to nail their colours to the mast and indicate which method of implementation they prefer so that we can all plan for a successful start to collections and avoid any ‘fridge-associated’ problems,” he said.

Capacity

Last week, the government also published &#39CA; Site WEEE Capacity in the UK' by Network Recycling, researching the existing facilities and available space at CA sites.

The DEFRA funded study found that more than half the CA sites in the UK already accept WEEE other than fridges. The study also said that over 80% of sites have existing space available to set up WEEE collection points.

It estimated that the costs for the improvements needed would total 6-12 million for the first year and then 4-9 million ongoing staffing and training costs.

The study said: “The implementation of WEEE collections on this basis would provide an estimated 1 kg per person per year in addition to the estimated 3.5 kg per person per year already separated at CA sites. However, this estimate may be rather low, with one WEEE collection trial investigated achieving an overall WEEE capture of 7 kg per person per year.”

The WEEE Directive sets a collection target for 2006 of 4 kg per person per year, so these improvements could make a significant contribution to the UK's efforts in meeting the Directive.