Waste electronics licensing regulations published (20.12.06)
New WEEE waste management licensing regulations have been laid before Parliament by Defra, coming into force on January 5, 2007.
Tying in with the new producer responsibility regulations for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) published earlier this month, they effectively amend existing waste management licensing legislation and permit exemptions for electronics recycling and treatment facilities.
WEEE recyclers will have to ensure "best available treatment, recovery and recycling techniques" are being carried outThe regulations require the Environment Agency to license any recycling or treatment facilities such that they meet the terms of Europe's WEEE Directive.
This includes ensuring that the "best available treatment, recovery and recycling techniques" are carried out, as well as setting storage and treatment controls to protect the environment.
There are also transitional arrangements set out for existing licence holders to move towards the new WEEE arrangements.
GuidanceMany of the details concerning how to meet the treatment requirements of the WEEE Directive is laid out in Defra's guidance on the new legislation, rather than in the regulations themselves.
This includes exactly which hazardous components must be removed from electrical appliances prior to shredding, such as hazardous batteries, lamps and cathode ray tubes.
Some 900,000 tonnes of waste electrical appliances are generated in the UK by households alone, while the Directive will also require the recycling of unwanted electrical equipment from shops, offices and industrial premises.
Full producer responsibility for both household and business WEEE is to begin in July 2007.