 Still missing: All operators must meet WEEE recycling target if recycling rates are to improve. Article 11.1 must be tightened up

 Improvements: collection rate based on WEEE generated; a harmonized approach to registering and reporting e-waste

A collection rate based on the amount of WEEE that is actually generated; a more harmonized approach to registering e-waste reporting across Europe: in reaction to today’s vote in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, CECED notes that MEPs have moved to reinforce their first reading position on Europe’s WEEE Directive with a view to making it more effective and workable. Further improvements are necessary however.

CECED remains concerned that under the current proposals a substantial amount of WEEE still risks escaping official control. All WEEE that is produced in Europe must be brought under the scope of the Directive. This means not only applying stringent recycling requirements to producers but also to other operators that handle WEEE. Article 11 of the proposed revision has not yet tackled this important issue. CECED is also concerned that attempts to find a realistic solution to finance the collection of WEEE have not been retained by MEPs in their 2nd reading recommendations.

Says Luigi Meli, Director General of CECED: "This recast provides a real opportunity to deliver a Directive that works in practice. A lot of WEEE is still not being returned to producer or producer-financed WEEE treatment schemes for correct processing and treatment. This is because e-waste has value and in the context of increasing resource scarcity this value is increasing.

"Other operators that handle WEEE in addition to those officially designated as WEEE producers must be covered by the revised legislation, particularly to meet the recycling target as set out in Article 11.1. Ensuring full coverage of all WEEE under the revised e-waste Directive would ensure electronic waste is less likely to damage the environment. It would also be a step forward in responding to Europe's developing resource efficiency response".

For further information please contact:

Mr. Luigi Meli, CECED Director General

Tel: +32 (0)2 738 78 10

Email: secretariat@ceced.eu

Mr Tristan Macdonald, Communications Manager

Tel: +32 (0)2 738 78 19

Email: tristan.macdonald@ceced.eu

About CECED: CECED represents the household appliance manufacturing industry in Europe. Its member companies are mainly based in Europe. Direct Members are Arçelik, Ariston Thermo Group, BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, Candy Group, De’Longhi, Daikin, AB Electrolux, Fagor Group, Gorenje, LG Electronics, Liebherr, Indesit Company, Miele, Philips, SEB and Whirlpool Europe. CECED’s member associations cover the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.