WEEEdirektiiviin

The WEEE Directive, or the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, is a European Union law aimed at reducing the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated and at promoting the reuse, recycling, and recovery of this type of waste. The directive, officially Directive 2012/19/EU, was adopted in 2012 and replaced earlier legislation. Its primary objective is to improve the environmental performance of all stages of the life cycle of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), from design to end-of-life management.

The WEEE Directive requires all member states of the European Union to establish systems for the collection and treatment of WEEE. Producers of electrical and electronic equipment are made responsible for financing these systems. This producer responsibility includes financing the collection, treatment, and environmentally sound disposal of WEEE. The directive sets targets for the collection of WEEE, as well as for the recycling and recovery of materials from discarded equipment. It also aims to reduce the hazardous substances found in electrical and electronic equipment.

The directive categorizes EEE into ten groups, which helps in managing the diverse types of waste generated. It also establishes obligations for retailers, who must often take back old WEEE when a new product is purchased. By implementing these measures, the WEEE Directive seeks to conserve resources, prevent pollution, and contribute to a more circular economy within the EU.