MEPs have backed higher targets for collecting, recycling and reusing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in their first reading of the recast WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC).
MEPs also want tougher measures to prevent the export of e-waste to developing countries, where it can pose a health and environment hazard.
The European Parliament says that member states should collect 85% of the WEEE they produce from 2016 – the European Commission had recommended 65%. It also proposes a 2012 target whereby EU countries collect 4kg of e-waste per inhabitant (as under existing rules) or the weight of e-waste collected in 2010, whichever is greater.
MEPs also want better treatment of WEEE to reclaim valuable raw materials, recommending a 50%–75% recycling target (depending on category) and a new 5% reuse goal. It is estimated that more than one million tonnes of waste electrical equipment is discarded each year in the UK.