WEEE

The WEEE directive entered into force in the UK in January 2007 and sets out obligations for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE)

If you are:

• A manufacturer of EEE, selling under your own brand in the UK, or
• A business based in the UK selling under your own brand EEE manufactured by another person, or
• A professional importer introducing EEE to the UK market, or
• A business based in the UK that places EEE in other EU Member States by distance selling

You are a producer of EEE (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and must sign up to a compliance scheme – otherwise you may be in breach of the law.

On 28 February 2007 the DTI ( now BERR) published its guidance for all stakeholders affected by the WEEE Directive: http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file37923.pdf

If you are unsure whether your company products are covered by the Directive there is a decision tree in Annex B of the WEEE guidance notes.
You also have responsibilities for collection of product at end of its life- these differ for B2B and B2C. To find out more visit: www.envirowise.gov.uk

Several FCS members have producer compliance schemes accredited by the Environment Agency-

Datec Technologies- www.datectech.co.uk
Environ- www.B2BWEEE-Scheme.com

Fonebak- www.fonebak.co.uk
Recycle Telecom www.w1t.co.uk

Each scheme is different and one will be just right for your company. Some offer a discount for FCS members- just ask.

Many FCS members offer collection of end of life equipment, recycling and refurbishment services- to find out who provides this service visit the Members' Directory and search on mobile phones recycling.

ROHS

EC Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) aims to minimise the environmental impact of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) by reducing the quantities of four heavy metals and two brominated flame retardants which it may contain.

To find out more visit the BERR website

Batteries

On 26 September 2006 the agreed text of Directive 2006/66/EC on Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/batteries/index.htm

 
The Directive aims to maximise the separate collection and recycling of spent batteries and accumulators, and to reduce the disposal of batteries and accumulators in the municipal waste stream. This aspiration is consistent with the UK Government sustainable development and waste strategies.

Key requirements of the Directive include:

A partial ban on portable nickel-cadmium batteries that excludes batteries used in medical equipment, emergency lighting and alarm systems, and cordless power tools. However, the exemption for power tools is subject to review after four years.

Collection targets for spent portable batteries of 25% of average annual sales 4 years after the directive is implemented in the UK, rising to 45% after 8 years.

Bans the disposal of untreated automotive and industrial batteries in landfill or by incineration.

Member States will have until 26 September 2008 to transpose the Directive.

For more information click here
 

Mobile Takeback Forum- MTF

The MTF is the FCS industry group looking at the implications and implementation of the environmental directives- visit the group webpages to find out more.