RRF DATABASE - WASTE ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE)

Here are some useful public domain reports on WEEE, which you may find of interest.

If, on the other hand, you want to learn more about the Forum's own studies, then follow this link to the folder of your choice.

• Electronics Re-Use and Recycling Infrastructure Development in Massachusetts September 2000 Research conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste Division’s Jobs Through Recycling Program (0.7 MB)

The purpose of this JTR project was to fulfill point #2 of the 5-point plan: to research and develop end markets for residentially disposed TV’s, computer monitors, and associated devices (cpu, printer, VCRs, etc).

The development of an environmentally sound and cost effective infrastructure for end-of-life electronic equipment will be vital to the success of point #5, the waste ban. While collection methods were not the focus of the grant, the ways that materials are collected can have a profound impact on the accessibility and cost of different recycling markets. Just as markets for commingled containers differ from markets for segregated glass, plastic, aluminum and tin, the collection methods for used electronics have a profound impact on the bidding pool.

This JTR report evaluates the marketing implications of different handling and collection strategies. The initial evaluation of markets was based on previous surveys of 48 commercial electronics recyclers, and new surveys of 176 (of 326) television repair shops, 4 white goods appliance collectors, 10 Charity/Re-Use/Thrift facilities, 2 retailers, 20 computer monitor repair shops, and 32 electronics exporters.

• ORDINANCE ON THE RETURN, THE TAKING BACK AND THE DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES (ORDEA) of 14 January 1998 (0.1 MB)

This is an English translation of a Swiss law.

• Developing a product stewardship strategy for electrical and electronic appliances in Australia - discussion paper March 2001(0.9MB)

This paper presents a discussion of approaches to implementing a product stewardship strategy and program framework for the electronic and electrical appliance industry in Australia. The environmental impacts of this product group are assessed and the benefits that a product stewardship program can deliver to the industry and the Australian community are considered. The document explores a range of programs and instruments that may be suitable content for a framework of agreed arrangements between industry and government in the management of the environmental impacts of this industry.

This discussion paper has been prepared by a working group comprising Environment Australia, the Australian Electrical & Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (AEEMA), the Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association (CESA), The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) and state environmental protection agencies. It is produced as a basis for discussion and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council (ANZECC) or of the Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies represented there, or of any specific section of industry or all members of AEEMA, CESA and AIIA.

• No further reports here.