Collecting electronic waste in Europe: a Sony view

The much debated European draft Directive on Waste from Electronic and Electrical Equipment intends to require producers to set up end-of-life product return systems. Based on pilot collection schemes and studies, as well as experience in countries which already require product take-back, this choice may prove ineffective both environmentally and from a cost perspective. In particular, as far as EOL products ending up in household waste streams are concerned, the use of local community collection schemes would be more effective and ensure higher return rates. At the very least, the results of studies and pilot schemes justify a serious re-evaluation of the draft Directive's proposals on collection.