The DTI has published its long-awaited advice on the implementation in the UK of the European WEEE Directive, which tells firms how they must manage their electrical waste by supporting recycling of products.
The WEEE Guidance Notes, if you can call an 80 page document notes, can be found on the DTI website.
After years of delay and a plethora of government consultations, the WEEE (electrical and electronic waste) Directive finally arrives in the UK on March 1. Yet despite the high profile recycling has acquired, there is concern that not enough has been done to educate the businesses that will be affected by this complex legislation.
"Industry remains confused as to exactly what is to be done, by whom and when. This is particularly the case with non-household or business-to-business (B2B) WEEE," said Vic Clements is senior manager at Environ’s WEEE/RoHS/EuP and Eco-design group.
Producers of electrical and electronic equipment in England and Wales have until 15 March to join an approved WEEE compliance scheme.
“From 1 July 2007, producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) will be responsible for paying for the treatment and recycling of products at the end of their life,” said Liz Parkes, head of waste at the Environment Agency.
For more advice on implementing WEEE.