The Berkshire-based transport and environment consultancy firm will look at the size and source of the WEEE waste stream and also at current waste management practices. It will also examine potential barriers to re-use and recovery while evaluating Scotland's recycling capacity.
The project aims to pave the way for Scotland to meet the demands of the forthcoming European WEEE Directive, which is likely to be implemented in EU Member States in late 2003.
Priority
SEPA has identified WEEE as one of its “Priority Waste Streams” because of its volume and hazardous nature. The Agency also recognises the complex nature of the recycling and recovery of WEEE components and the different levels of reprocessing and recycling expertise needed to ensure maximum value is recovered.
Commenting on project, SEPA's project leader, John Stewart, said: “The essential parts of this project are to determine the quantity and nature of this waste stream and the current infrastructure to deal with it. From this data we will be able to determine Scotland's ability to meet the demands of the WEEE Directive, while examining best
practice in the UK and abroad.”
He added: “The electronics and electrical sector is a highly significant part of the Scottish economy and all stakeholders, from manufacture to disposal or recycling, will work together to ensure that we maximize the environmental benefits, while minimising the costs of implementation.”
For more information about the WEEE Directive and the related Directive restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical equipment (ROHS), see the letsrecycle.com WEEE legislation page .
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