The United Kingdom announced that it is pushing back the date for when the collection and recycling of scrap electronics will be the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers from January 2006 to June 2006.
The government decided to postpone the implementation of the WEEE directive due to the preparation needed for the legislation to take hold, as well as continuing concerns by businesses to meet the deadline.
"This Directive is about dealing effectively with electrical waste which can be damaging to the environment. It is challenging and has required a lot of planning and preparation but our priority is to get this right," said Malcolm Wicks, minister of the UK’s Department of Trade and Industry.
Jeff Cooper, the Environment Agency's Manager for Waste Producer Responsibility, said, “The Environment Agency will work closely with Government Departments and the devolved administrations to implement the forthcoming WEEE Regulations. We expect to be able to announce arrangements for the registration of producers in the early autumn with registration starting in January 2006."
The WEEE Directive aims to address the environmental impact of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and to promote its separate collection when it becomes waste (WEEE). WEEE is a priority waste stream for the EU because of its growing volume in the municipal waste stream and its potential hazardousness following disposal.