WEEE is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the EU, and it poses significant environmental and health risks if not properly managed. WEEE contains a complex mixture of materials, some of which are hazardous, as well as valuable resources that can be recovered and reused. Therefore, improving the collection, treatment and recycling of WEEE can contribute to sustainable production and consumption, resource efficiency and the circular economy.
The EU has introduced two main directives to address the issue of WEEE: the WEEE Directive and the RoHS Directive. The WEEE Directive aims to prevent the generation of WEEE as much as possible, and to promote its re-use, recycling and other forms of recovery. It also sets targets for the collection, recovery and recycling of WEEE, and establishes rules for data reporting and verification. The RoHS Directive restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, to reduce their negative impacts on human health and the environment.
The European Commission provides an overview of these directives, as well as information on their implementation, data and reporting, calculation tools, guidance documents, frequently asked questions and contact details. It also links to other relevant websites and sources of information on WEEE.
(Source: European Commission)