New rules on WEEE enter into force

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Rules on the treatment of WEEE under the recast WEEE directive have come into force.

Under the new regulations from the European Commission, a collection target of 45 per cent of electronic equipment sold will apply from 2016, and then 65 per cent of equipment sold or 85 per cent of electronic waste generated must be collected by 2019 with Member States able to choose which 2019 measure they wish to implement.

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The directive will also oblige exporters to test whether equipment works or not, and provide documents on the nature of shipments that could be thought illegal.

There will also be harmonisation of national registration and reporting requirements.

Governments of Member States will need to amend their existing WEEE legislation by 14 February 2014 at the latest.

European Environment Commission Janez Potočnik said: “In these times of economic turmoil and rising prices for raw materials, resource efficiency is where environmental benefits and innovative growth opportunities come together.

“We now need to open new collection channels for electronic waste and improve the effectiveness of existing ones. I encourage Member States to meet these new targets before the formal deadline.”