Advantages of physical and chemical methods of separation from waste electronic and electrical equipments
Answers
WEEE
WEEE: Take-back of electrical and electronic equipment
Over the past few years, legislators have established regulations for the proper disposal and recycling of used electrical and electronic equipment in many countries around the world, e.g., in the EU, Eastern Europe, North America, South America and Asia as well. On the one side, e-waste frequently contain hazardous substances that could pose risks to public health and the environment if not disposed of properly. On the other hand, many raw materials used in such used electrical and electronic equipment can also be recycled.
The European WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC serves as a model for many countries when it comes to the prevention, decrease and environmentally friendly disposal of e-waste. This Directive was replaced by the WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE Recast), which entered into force on August 13, 2012 and which envisages an expanded scope of application. All electrical and electronic appliances shall be covered by it as of mid August 2018. Other changes relate, e.g., to the increase in the take-back and collection quotas for manufacturers, the producer definition, stricter take-back obligations for large distributors as well as the appointment of an authorized representative.