European Parliament Seeks Increase in Collection, Recycling Rate for WEEE Scrap

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are calling for improved collection and treatment of electronic scrap and white goods throughout Europe. In an announcement, made on June 22, the European Parliament (EP) is seeking new collection targets that should be based on actual waste generated.

The EP’s Environment Committee voted at a first reading on a proposed update to legislation on waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE). The report by Karl-Heinz Florenz (EPP, DE) was adopted.

The new legislation should apply to all types of WEEE, says the committee. However, vehicles, military material and fixed industrial installations should be excluded. MEPs also want solar panels to be exempt, bearing in mind the photovoltaic industry's voluntary target to recycle 85 percent of modules. All exemptions should be reviewed within five years.

In the proposed legislation, MEPS are calling for member states to collect at least 85 percent of WEEE generated in their country by 2016. The Commission had proposed a 65 percent figure, based on new products put on the market. MEPs emphasized that targets should be based on real waste because older goods are often stored or given away, rather than thrown away.

The Environment Committee voted to add an interim target for 2012: 4 kilograms per capita (already in the current legislation) or the volume of waste collected in 2010, whichever is greater. Member States generate varying levels of WEEE and should be free to set higher national targets, say MEPs.

The legislative proposal demands that member states should treat all waste they collect. MEPs want the Commission to propose standards to encourage this to be carried out in the best possible way.

In the proposal, the Environment Committee suggests a simpler system of six categories of WEEE to replace the current 10. Depending on the category, 70-85 percent of WEEE should be recovered and between 50-75 percent recycled. MEPs say reusable appliances should be kept separate from other e-waste, and that a 5% target for reuse should apply for the appropriate categories. 

Further, the Environment Committee added that member states should carry out tougher inspections on exported waste. Although only reusable electronic goods may be exported, large amounts of waste are exported illegally to developing countries, where inadequate treatment can have serious health and environmental consequences.

The plenary vote on the WEEE Directive is currently scheduled for September 2010.