The ECA is concerned that the incorporation of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive into UK legislation could involve extra work and costs for its members.
Within the directive, emphasis and responsibilities are put on three parties: producers, distributors and consumers. The definitions of what constitute producers and distributors are sketchy and it appears that members could fall into either category.

Concern has been raised over member companies being classified as producers, as in this case, they will have the responsibility for the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of WEEE at their own costs. Under the Directive, the producer is also liable for the removal from site of WEEE that has been stripped out by another party. Currently the consumer is charged for carting it away.

The ECA Commercial, Contracts & Legal department is monitoring the directive in liaison with the Department of Trade and Industry.

The proposed timetable for introduction of WEEE legislation is:

  • member states transposition by 13 August 2004;
  • producer responsibility by 13 August 2005;
  • substance ban by July 2006;
  • meeting recycling targets by 31 December 2006.

The Directive can be viewed or downloaded free from the DTI web site: www.dti.gov.uk/ sustainability/ep/index/htm.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor