Is the WEEE Directive working?

A new survey into the success of the WEEE Directive has been conducted among electronics producers and local authorities. Its findings show that, despite a reasonable degree of success for WEEE recycling, not all local authorities are happy with their Producer Compliance Scheme.

The survey, completed in the early part of this year, was conducted by the Gyroscope Consultancy, on behalf of the European Recycling Platform (ERP) and letsrecycle.com. Surveyed parties included 51 representatives of producer organisations and 36 representatives of local authorities throughout the UK. 

Results show that 54 per cent of local authorities believe the volume of WEEE arriving at their sites has risen only a small amount since the Directive was implemented last year. Correspondingly, 14 per cent believe it has risen significantly; 20 per cent say the volume has not changed; and 9 per cent say it has fallen.

The survey also revealed that only 15 per cent of local authorities seem 'fully satisfied' with their Producer Compliance Scheme. Over one third - 38 per cent - say they are unlikely to change who they work with, but the remainder seem uncertain, citing a desire to review the situation (32 per cent) or saying they do not yet know if they will change schemes or not (12 per cent). While, only three per cent will 'definitely change', a general sense of indecision implies that half of local authority/compliance scheme relationships are vulnerable.

ERP's Scott Butler said of the results: "There's more to be done, but it's very gratifying that we've gone from a standing start to a fully-functioning WEEE regime in just a few months. I believe that producers and local authorities alike should be extremely proud of what's been achieved."