The WEEE Directive!

Now heres more legislation from Brussels to keep the industry on its toes:-

(Info copied from Maddocks-Europart)

If you are selling appliances you had better check out the WEEE (WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT) European legislation coming into force in 2005, how it affects you an what your responsibilities are as a retailer.

The directive states that all manufacturers must retain responsibility for their products throughout their lifecycles but it appear that the Uk government wants to make consumers pay for the recycling!! An immediate forecast by consumer groups is that prices for relevant products will increase, as manufacturers attempt to cover eventual recycling costs or consumers will be taxed . The proposed European Directive is the first ‘producer responsibility’ Directive for household consumer goods. It should ensure manufacturers take responsibility for their product from cradle to grave. Friends of the Earth is opposing demands by manufacturers and retailers that the cost of collection should fall on Council Tax payers FOE believes that the costs should fall on industry, hence providing them with an incentive to ensure that goods are designed for durability, reuse and recycling. Either way the consumer stands to lose out when buying a new appliance, so it makes sense to repair and recycle!

As an added incentive FOE are also calling for consumers to be empowered through the mandatory labelling of expected lifespans of goods. Free extended warranties would further encourage manufacturers to produce reliable goods that are easily repairable.

Energy used in the home (gas and electricity) is responsible for a quarter of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon Dioxide is one of the main contributors to the ‘greenhouse effect’, which adversely affects the climate and natural ecological order.

As you can see the most detrimental effect to the environment is caused at home!

(End)

Martin