The Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has published a draft report highlighting policy recommendations for improving the durability, reusability and reparability of washing machines and dishwashers. Once finalised, the findings will be used to inform future proposals from the European Commission to revise existing ‘eco-design’ rules for these types of appliances. The new rules could be submitted for discussion with stakeholders in the Spring of next year. The lifespan of […]
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is being promoted as a key market based instrument to help Member States implement EU waste legislation, including application of the waste hierarchy. However, little attention has been paid to how EPR can support initiatives at the top of the hierarchy including reuse, a waste prevention activity, and preparation for reuse. Using case studies from EPR schemes active in the management of electronic, textile and furniture […]
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) has infiltrated every aspect of our daily lives, providing our society with more comfort, health and security, with easy information acquisition and exchange. But the constant technological innovations, coupled with a growing consumerism, accelerate the replacement frequency of these products. Consequently the production of waste EEE (WEEE) should double in the near future to reach 12 million tonnes p.a. in 2010. This confronts us directly […]