WEEE label of excellence

Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) – hereinafter “the Directive” – outlines, amongst other things, the responsibilities for collection, recycling and recovery of WEEE in all 27 Member States. The Directive has been transposed into national legislation across Europe. However, there is no mechanism that guarantees that consumers and producers of electric and electronic equipment are made aware of the performance of those who provide the service of collection, treatment and recycling. Plus, the recycling technologies undergo a rapid development process and new types of equipment like LCD (liquid crystal displays) and energy-saving lamps demand new treatment solutions. Electronic waste (e-waste) processing companies must therefore be discouraged from gaining a competitive advantage due to the application of less environmentally sustainable activities.

Against this background it is of vital importance to harmonise and, where necessary, adapt treatment and recycling standards effectively to allow for uniform comparison, monitoring and reporting and to further develop the expertise, tools and capacity of parties auditing e-waste processing companies. The 42 collection and recovery systems of the WEEE Forum recognise their shared responsibility in this matter and seek to roll out environmental standards of a superior level throughout the whole recycling process of WEEE for all member systems and associated operators active in the European e-waste market.