European Parliament Approves Changes to WEEE Directive

The European Parliament has adopted changes to the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive designed to tighten exports of used good and strengthen the recovery electronics. 
 

According to published reports, the revision to the directive will require EU countries to collect 45 percent of WEEE generated annually by 2015. By 2019, the amount will grow to 85 percent. 
 

The European Parliament says roughly one-third of discarded electronics are currently recycled in the EU, though half of that material is exported. 
 

The legislation also calls for large retailers to collect discarded phones and other small electronic devices. It also introduces a new requirement aimed at prohibiting European companies from shipping hazardous WEEE outside the EU.
 

The 27 EU countries have until mid-2013 to incorporate the new directive into their national laws once the EU Council of Ministers fives provides final approval. New members to the EU will have two extra years to meet the new targets.