The recast Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) was published in the EU Official Journal on Tuesday. The member states have until 14 February 2014 to bring the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to ensure compliance with the new Directive into force.
The publication in the Official Journal concludes a legislative process which was launched at the start of December 2008 when the Commission tabled its recast proposal. Among other changes, the new Directive raises the collection and recycling targets. After a six-year transition period, its scope will shift from the present closed scope to an open scope, which means that its provisions will apply to all electrical and electronic equipment by default, unless the equipment type is explicitly exempted. The recast Directive also introduces an obligation for larger retailers selling electrical and electronic equipment to take back small waste appliances.