MEPs adopt stricter WEEE targets

MEPs have backed higher targets for collecting, recycling and reusing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in their first reading of the recast WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC).

MEPs also want tougher measures to prevent the export of e-waste to developing countries, where it can pose a health and environment hazard.

The European Parliament says that member states should collect 85% of the WEEE they produce from 2016 – the European Commission had recommended 65%. It also proposes a 2012 target whereby EU countries collect 4kg of e-waste per inhabitant (as under existing rules) or the weight of e-waste collected in 2010, whichever is greater.

MEPs also want better treatment of WEEE to reclaim valuable raw materials, recommending a 50%–75% recycling target (depending on category) and a new 5% reuse goal. It is estimated that more than one million tonnes of waste electrical equipment is discarded each year in the UK.