EU Parliament votes for new WEEE Directive

The European Parliament approved the compromise for recasting the EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) with an overwhelming majority by a show of hands on Thursday. The positive plenary vote confirms an agreement drawn up by representatives of the Parliament, the member states and the EU Commission at the end of last year. The legislative process is completed, once the Council also formally approves the proposal, and the Directive will enter into force following publication in the EU Official Journal. Changes compared to the present rules include higher targets for WEEE collection and recycling, and a reversal of the burden of proof in equipment exports for reuse or repair to third countries. Furthermore, consumers will be able to return small WEEE in electrical and electronics goods shops without the need to buy a similar new product at the same time.