The WEEE Directive will set collection, recycling and recovery targets for electronic and electrical equipment when it comes into effect. The Directive is expected to be implemented into Member States' legislations by September 2004, with obligations entering into force a year later.
Electrolux, Hewlett-Packard, Sony and Gillette-owned Braun have said they will draw up guidelines together and will also unite to organise recycling contracts. The four companies sell around 14% of all consumer electrical goods in the European Union. The agreement is open for other manufacturers to join.
Commenting on the arrangement, Braun's Hans Korfmacher said: “Our aim is to identify high-quality recycling services on the best terms from the European market to minimize the costs passed onto consumers.”
It is thought that the bill for dealing with goods already in circulation in Europe – around 6 million tonnes of material – will run to over 25 billion, while the annual bill for new products could be around 5 billion according to Orgalime, an organisation representing European mechanical, electronic and metal working industries. Orgalime also believes European manufacturers will have to invest around 10 billion to provide greener production techniques.
Viktor Sundberg of Electrolux said that he believed that consumers would end up paying more because of the regulations. Mr Sundberg said the new rules could add around 15 to the cost of a new washing machine.
For more information on the WEEE Directive see the letsrecycle.com legislation section .
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