Takeback schemes and local networks to encourage the re-use and recycling of electrical goods are included in Government plans for implementation of the EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
The new directive is due to come into force in July next year and energy minister Malcolm Wicks has launched a five month consultation to get industry views on the proposals.
Electrical equipment is the fastest growing category of rubbish across the European Union with the UK alone generating around 1M tonnes a year.
One of the key proposals is for a national distributor takeback scheme which will establish a network of designated collection facilities so consumers can return their used items for recycling or re-use.
This was considered in 2004 when the London Assembly branded the idea of relying on householders to bring old goods for recycling ‘unrealistic’ (Surveyor, 26 February 2004). Launching the Government’s consultation, Wicks claimed: ‘These proposals are good for consumers, good for responsible producers and good for our environment.
‘In announcing full producer responsibility I want to provide those businesses who have yet to take up their obligation with the certainty they need in order to plan for implementation.’
The consultation also suggests obligatory registration for producers through approved compliance schemes and authorised treatment facilities.
Neil Ferris, policy officer for the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee, welcomed the consultation and said: ‘The paper is a good starting point for our members but there is a lot of work that needs doing before regulations can be implemented. ‘The principal loser at the moment is the environment.’
• For more details of the consultation see: http://www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/page32448.html.
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