Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) compliance scheme Repic has announced that it has become a founding member of a new ‘one-stop shop’ European compliance scheme, WEEE Europe AG (WEEE Europe).
Set up to simplify the processes of complying with EU WEEE law, WEEE Europe marks the ‘first time’ several European take-back systems have joined together to help companies achieve compliance.
The newly founded joint venture, which has its headquarters in Munich, will enable European manufacturers and ‘other market players’ to fulfil their various national WEEE recycling requirements in an ‘easy, one-stop-shop way’ from January 2015 onwards.
Currently manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers as well as distributors of electric appliances and electronic devices, who are active in several European countries, are bound by different national laws and reporting systems.
It is hoped that the new company will simplify the process and make WEEE recycling registration and reporting more efficient.
Speaking of the scheme, Christian Ludwig, CEO at WEEE Europe AG, said: “The administrative cost for all market players is huge – from mid-tier businesses to major corporations. Our aim is to simplify processes and to offer efficient solutions to fulfil the various national WEEE recycling registration and reporting requirements at a competitive price.”
Dr Phil Morton, CEO of REPIC and WEEE Europe board member, added: "We are delighted to be a founder member of this exciting joint venture, which uniquely retains the independence and autonomy of each of Ythe national producer schemes, whilst simultaneously offering multi-country benefits to any producer partner in the WEEE Europe group of schemes.”
Talks with potential additional partners from other EU member states are also now under way.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.