Policies

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive

Last updated: 23 October 2024

The WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU establishes requirements for the proper collection, treatment, and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment across the European Union, aiming to prevent harmful environmental impacts and improve resource efficiency. The directive was implemented in 2012 as a recast of the original 2002 WEEE directive, addressing growing concerns about electronic waste management in the EU. It applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), from large household appliances to small IT equipment.
The directive mandates separate collection of WEEE through several key measures:

  • Member States must establish free take-back systems allowing consumers to return WEEE
  • Retailers with large sales areas (≥400m²) must accept very small WEEE without charge
  • A minimum collection rate of 45% was required from 2016, increasing to 65% from 2019
  • Separate collection must prioritise temperature exchange equipment containing ozone-depleting substances, mercury-containing fluorescent lamps, photovoltaic panels, and small equipment

Regarding proper treatment, the directive requires:

  • All separately collected WEEE must undergo proper treatment according to specified standards
  • Hazardous components must be removed and treated according to detailed requirements in Annex VII
  • Treatment facilities must have impermeable surfaces, weatherproof covering, and appropriate storage facilities
  • Regular inspections and monitoring of treatment facilities

The directive promotes environmentally conscious design through:

  • Encouraging cooperation between producers and recyclers
  • Requiring Member States to promote EEE design that facilitates repair, reuse, dismantling, and recycling
  • Prohibiting specific design features that prevent WEEE reuse unless they offer overriding environmental or safety advantages
  • Supporting measures that apply eco-design requirements established under Directive 2009/125/EC

The directive establishes a harmonised approach to producer registration by:

  • Requiring Member States to maintain a national register of producers
  • Standardising the information producers must provide, including company details, EEE categories, and financial guarantees
  • Mandating consistent reporting requirements across member states
  • Ensuring registers provide links to other national registers to facilitate cross-border registration
  • Establishing common methodologies for calculating collection rates and reporting data

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