Product Take-Back in European Union

Last Updated:	2008-02-14
Investigation:	Complete
Report Contents
-   Summary -   Full Report -   Key Documents -   Other Documents -   Contacts -   Revision History

Introduction

The WEEE Directive imposes on producers and distributors "take-back" and recycling obligations, and related obligations in respect of waste of electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE), and electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The scope of application of the WEEE Directive is broad, it covers much common electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), but provides for some exemptions.

The Directive distinguishes WEEE from households and WEEE from other sources, and deals with take-back obligations and financial responsibility separately. In summary, it imposes requirements with respect to (1) product design, (2) separate collection, (3) treatment, (4) recovery, (5) financing, and (6) marking, information, and reporting. This report first discusses the WEEE Directive's scope and then addresses each of the topics mentioned above.