The Directive requires the separate collection of 4kg of waste electrical appliances for every head of the population, material that must then be recycled. The system of collection and recycling is funded by electrical manufacturers and retailers.
” I want to compliment all those in the industry, the retail trade and the public who have worked so hard to make this initiative the wonderful success that it is. “
– Dick Roche
Although the legislation is not yet in force in the UK, Ireland adopted the Directive in August 2005.
The Republic of Ireland's government has now revealed that from August 13, 2005, to the end of February 2006, the country collected 14,587 tonnes of waste electrical equipment. This was the equivalent of 6.7kg of WEEE for every Irish citizen.
The collected equipment included over 11,000 tonnes of fridges and freezers and over 1,000 old televisions.
“Stunning”
Environment, heritage and local government minister Dick Roche said: “This is a stunning performance. We are already running over 50% above our 2008 target. Ireland was one of the first European countries to introduce this major initiative, which was severely criticised when it was introduced last summer.”
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Mr Roche said the “fully integrated recycling regime” for waste electronics, along with the “highly successful plastic bag levy” showed that Ireland could lead the field on environmental initiatives.
“I am delighted that both the industry and consumers have so successfully met the WEEE Directive challenge and I want to compliment all those in the industry, the retail trade and the public who have worked so hard to make this initiative the wonderful success that it is,” the minister added.
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