The
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is
now fully up and running.
IT Manufacturers have to fund recycling schemes and retailers
must now offer take-back services to customers.
The directive was supposed to be law back in the summer of 2005,
but
was delayed as most retailers and manufacturers were not ready for
the scheme.
Producers of electrical and electronic waste became fully
responsible under the scheme on 1 July.
Retailers now have to take back unwanted items being replaced by
new items or help fund WEEE collection points.
Manufacturers of kit also have to join one of 37
Producer Compliance
Schemes operating across the UK.
The schemes are monitored by the Environment Agency and collect
and recycle e-waste on behalf of manufacturers. Major PC
manufacturers are now part of these schemes.
Marks and Spencer commits to ending landfilling IT >>
Environmental issues climb IT agenda >>
Research shows lack of readiness as WEEE directive nears
>>
BBC story
on WEEE directive >>
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