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News Release from: Repic
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 08 June 2006
Government urged to clarify WEEE schemes
Repic calls on the UK Government to support the concept of a national allocation function as the only workable solution for the collection of WEEE.
Support for an independent national centre for the allocation of WEEE and a stricter code of practice to ensure that producers can fulfil their obligations are among the key points raised by Repic, the not-for-profit producer compliance scheme, in its response to the DTI's "straw man" policy proposals Repic calls on the UK Government to support the concept of a national allocation function as the only workable solution for the collection of WEEE
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 15 Feb 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Repic points out that the option of allowing schemes to over-collect in the first year would be unworkable as no-one knows exactly how much WEEE there will be.
It recommends the introduction of controls to protect schemes that may inadvertently collect more than their obligation while at the same time preventing exploitation by those in a position to significantly over-collect WEEE relative to their producer obligation.
Repic also calls for the tightening up of the code of practice being developed to ensure that producers have access to all WEEE.
This would help prevent "cherry-picking" of the more profitable items of WEEE while also making sure that producers are free to engage reuse organisations of their choice to help fulfil the Directive's requirement to demonstrate maximum recycling or reuse of WEEE.
The Government is also warned of spiralling costs and the failure to clear less attractive sites if a trading environment or "quasi free market" is allowed to develop.
Repic urges it to set up a robust mechanism to police and punish unregistered "free riders" and prevent honest producers from picking up disproportionate costs.
Noting that all stakeholders support the five collection groups suggested by the producer community from the outset rather than the four reporting groups set out in the directive, Repic asks for greater clarity from the Government on the handling of WEEE through retailer take back.
Commenting on its latest submission to the DTI, Repic's Chief Executive, Dr Phil Morton said: "While some progress has been made, a number of issues of critical importance to the successful implementation of the WEEE legislation remain unresolved".
"We have submitted our evidence to the Government, based on the experience and concerns of our members, and will continue to play a constructive role in that process".
"If the WEEE regulations are going to work efficiently and meet the requirements for which the directive was designed, it is essential that the consultation process is as thorough and representative as possible".
"That means that all stakeholder views and responses must be carefully and fully considered".
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