last updated 7th January 05
by 4ecotips.com

On 13 August 2005 the EC directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE for short) become effective. One of the things it aims to resolve, for instance, is the growing mountains of fridges that are carpeting larger and larger areas of the UK.

After this date, when you buy a new appliance the price you pay will almost certainly include a built in cost to cover the recycling of the equipment when it’s served its purpose in your home and you dispose of it.

The directive affects producers, distributors and recyclers of lots of household items including appliances, IT and telecoms equipment, audiovisual equipment (such as TV, video, hi fi), lighting, electrical and electronic tools, toys, leisure and sports equipment. In fact, a` pretty comprehensive portfolio of items.

The directive also imposes a restriction on the ujse of certain hazardous substance in this type of equipment. In this way it will limit the environmental impact of electrical and electronic equipment when it reaches the end of its life through the minimisation of such substances and ensure harmonisation of legislation controlling this important aspect of recycling.

But manufacturers of these types of goods are unlikely to carry the additional costs which the new directive will inevitably inflict on new household appliances. So the EU public can expect to pay more for their mod cons after the summer.