LARAC expresses concerns over continuing WEEE delays

Following a third consultation concerning the implementation of Europe's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, the government was expected to make an announcement over legislation early in 2005.

” Many local authorities are looking at how their collection systems and civic amenity sites can be altered to accommodate the new legislation – but those changes cannot be made overnight. “
– Neil Ferris, LARAC
But amidst widespread speculation that a new “no frills” approach is now on the table and producer responsibility on WEEE may be put back to 2006, the government has yet to make an announcement (see letsrecycle.com story).

New regulations are to centre around a producer responsibility system, which would mean local authorities themselves will not be financially responsible for the improvements that will be made at their sites to collect electrical equipment. But, with delays in the legislation setting up a system to make producers responsible, any upgrades to civic amenity sites have to be funded by councils.

Lee Marshall, Chair of LARAC said, “Whilst this is a producer responsibility issue, LARAC recognises that there are areas of overlap where our members are keen to work with the producers to recycle more WEEE.”

Mr Marshall added that speculation surrounding the clearing house system was another “cause for concern.”

Unsure

As well as waiting for financial support from producers before making changes, many local authorities have said that they would prefer to know exactly what is expected of them before upgrading their sites. For example, councils do not yet know for certain how to separate different types of WEEE for collection.

Policy officer Neil Ferris, said: “Many local authorities are looking at how their collection systems and civic amenity sites can be altered to accommodate the new legislation – but those changes cannot be made overnight. Local authorities need clear guidelines on what to expect and when. LARAC hopes that this will be sorted out as quickly as possible.”

LARAC has said that whilst its members are ready to work with producers they are keen to establish the funding mechanisms that will contribute any changes they have to make to existing collection arrangements.