Consultation launched to cut WEEE red tape

WEE and Thee

22 December 2008

The Department for Business has launched a consultation seeking ways to increase the collection and treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment as required under the EU WEEE directive.

Business and Economic Minister Ian Pearson said he wants to "streamline the system" while cutting the red tape placed for businesses to show compliance.

The proposals outlined in the consultation aim to improve the Producer Compliance Scheme approval process by introducing open-ended authorisation for schemes and annual scrutiny of their operational plans.

The government wants to simplify the data reporting process and evidence requirements to save businesses time and costs.

Views are also sought on a range of other issues, including improvements to the code of practice for the collection of WEEE from designated collection facilities and revised guidance on the best available treatment, recovery and recycling techniques.

Responses are sought by 6 April.

This consultation follows a review of the WEEE regulations announced by the former Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks, last July.

The UK regulations on WEEE came into force in January 2007 and placed responsibilities on producers - mainly manufacturers and importers - and distributors including wholesalers, retailers and distance sellers for the collection and responsible disposal of end-of-life equipment.