The WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive encourages and sets criteria for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of electrical and electronic waste – it affects any business that manufactures, brands, imports, sells, stores, treats or dismantles electrical or electronic products within the European Union (EU).
The Directive should have been implemented in August 2005. However, it has been delayed due to practical difficulties and a further consultation on implementation is expected this summer.
Position
- We are supportive of the principle behind the WEEE Directive. However, we are aware that there is room for flexibility in the implementation of this directive and are firmly of the view that there should be a minimal regulatory approach that places fewer costs on businesses. We cannot support any regulations that place excessive costs in both time and in terms of administration on business, that ultimately impacts upon productivity and the ability of commerce to expand.
