Consumers could be forced to pay a levy on electrical goods to fund the cost of recycling them, manufacturers have warned.

The proposal is the product of the Recycling Electrical Producers’ Industry Consortium (REPIC), a group set up by manufacturers in response to the European Union-driven Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.

REPIC has presented the proposal to the DTI, which is responsible for implementing the Directive in accordance with EU guidelines. If taken up, it would mean that a small amount is added to the cost of electrical and electronic products.

However, industry sources believe that the Government will want to avoid imposing what could be seen as a stealth tax in the year of a general election.

REPIC chair Uwe Hanneck, said: “We had a constructive discussion. There is some way to go before we arrive at the final approach to the scheme.”

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor