The DTI announced (Dec/05), that progress on the implementation of the Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) is to be reviewed immediately. The WEEE Directive aims to address the environmental impact of electrical & electronic equipment & to promote its separate collection when it becomes waste. The Directive introduces producer responsibility for waste electrical & electronic equipment & producers will be required to finance treatment & recycling/recovery of separately collected WEEE in the UK to specify treatment standards & recycling/recovery targets. Retailers will have an obligation to offer take-back services to householders. The review has been stimulated by concerns expressed by the business community & other stakeholders over the implementation process & the DTI has agreed more time is required to introduce the appropriate planned infrastructure. and regulations. The DTI and Defra will be working closely on the subject and are expected to issue a formal consultation on draft Regulations and guidance in spring 2006.
