Implementing the WEEE Directive

During the 1980s, industrialised countries in Europe experienced a shortage of landfills. This lead National Governments and EU authorities to investigate regulations to direct waste streams to recycling and incineration. Besides packaging, cars and batteries, waste from electronic and electric products was identified as a major component of the generic waste stream which could be easily diverted to alternative processes other than landfill. After 2 years of discussion with interested parties, the EU-Commission has released a draft Directive on Waste from Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This Directive is being discussed in the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. Depending on the outcome, this Directive may be finalized in Spring 2002 (the earliest date) and will have to be implemented in national legislation within 18 months (end of 2004). However, some countries have already moved ahead and implemented local WEEE-type legislation: Norway, Holland, Italy, Switzerland (not an EU Country). The Swedish and Belgian legislation came into force in July 2001.