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Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/ED (WEEE Directive)
The main objectives of the WEEE Directive are the prevention of waste electrical and electronic equipment; promote the re-use recycling and other forms of recovery of used materials and components, and to improve the environmental performance of all operators (manufacturers, traders, treatment facilities) involved in the life cycle of products. The Directive covers all equipment operating up to 1000 VAC and 1500 VDC and contained in a list of 10 categories.
The Directive specifies recovery, reuse and recycling targets in percentages (%) by average weight per appliance to be met by EU member states. Financing for collection, treatment, recovery and disposal is the responsibility of the producers of electrical and electronic equipment.
In cases where the producer is located outside the EU, the importer or distributor bears the responsibility for financing. By the end of 2006 member states must achieve a collection rate of 4 kg of WEEE per inhabitant.
| Equipment category | Recovery target | Reuse recycling target |
| Large household appliances | 80% | 75% |
| Small household appliances | 70% | 50% |
| IT and telecommunication equipment | 75% | 65% |
| Consumer equipment | 75% | 65% |
| Lightning equipment | 70% | 50% |
| Electrical and electronic tools | 70% | 50% |
| Toys, leisure and sport equipment | 70% | 50% |
| Medical devices | After 2008 | After 2008 |
| Monitoring and control instruments | 70% | 50% |
| Automatic dispensers | 80% | 75% |
| Date | Schedule |
| February 13, 2003 | Directive published in Office Journal of EU |
| August 13, 2004 | Member states implemented national regulations |
| August 13, 2005 | Manufacturers have take back system in place Equipment entering the market is labeled with WEEE symbol |
| December 31, 2006 | Member states ensure that targets for collection, recovery, reuse and recycling are meet |
| December 31, 2008 | Member states are to meet to establish new targets for collection, recovery, reuse and recycling |
Obligations of manufacturers
All equipment, falling in one of the 10 categories, entering the EU after 13 August 2005 must be labeled with the WEEE symbol. Manufacturers must provide refurbishment, treatment and reuse information for each new type of electrical and electronic equipment within one year after such equipment is put one the market.
TÜV Rheinland Services
- Equipment assessment for compliance with WEEE Directive
- Support for establishing equipment Recycling / Reuse Manual
- Support in Design for Recycling (DfR)
- Support in Design for Dismantling (DfM)
- Support in establishing Product Declaration for consumers
- Inhouse training and consulting on WEEE Directive