WEE directive tightened

The directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic equipment (WEE) has been tightened by the European Parliament to include much tougher demands on EU states. Originally only 65% of all waste had to be collected, however, by 2016 this will increase to 85%. A further amendment states that each country should collect a per capita quota of e-waste set at minimum 4kg. In addition, higher recycling goals and tighter re-use checks have been set, to avoid the illegal dumping of electronic good overseas. The new directive needs to be approved by the Council of Minister before it becomes enforceable across the EU, but it is unlikely that it will be watered down and e-goods manufacturers need to plan ahead and adapt their processes in line with the new statute.