DEFRA is working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on the implementation of the EU waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive. From July 2007, the directive makes producers financially responsible for the treatment and recycling of electronic equipment when it becomes waste.
The WEEE regulations apply to electrical and electronic equipment which fall within the 10 product categories listed in the WEEE directive. This includes both small and large household appliances (which will include white goods), IT and telecommunications equipment as well as other consumer equipment. In particular, the regulations transpose the treatment and permitting requirements of the directive, which are intended to improve the environmental performance of operators directly involved in the treatment of WEEE.
DEFRA has also worked with the DTI on the implementation of the EU RoHS (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment) directive. Since 1 July 2006, the RoHS regulations have restricted the use of six substances in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment, meaning that they will be easier to treat and recycle when they become waste.