Our Goals
The aims of the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan are ambitious and quality WEEE recyclers, united in EERA, we are eager to contribute to these goals.
We aim to defend the interest of our members through research and participation at governmental and industry events and discussion groups, and to use our influence to champion the implementation of sustainable rules, clear thresholds and a climate that stimulates investments in new recycling technologies.
See our current focus topics below.
Proposed regulations
Such as the WEEE Directive Recast (III); the draft Battery Regulations; the draft Waste Shipment Regulations and legislation concerning Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) etc.
Unfair competition
To encourage innovation and investment in the industry in order to ensure e-waste is treated at professional facilities where the environmentally sound management and the protection of human health can be assured.
This is critical to ensure a level-playing field for European recyclers, as well as to minimise the environmental impact of EU-generated waste by ensuring the quality of recycling is maintained to appropriate standards.
Scavenging of e-waste
This refers to operators who collect discarded equipment, more often through unofficial routes, to dismantle using manual workers and/or basic mechanical equipment, then keeping the most valuable parts for themselves and discarding other components and less valuable materials unsafely, without complying with any rules or regulations.
Illegal export
While it is important to push for harmonised standards between Member States, it is essential that the re-use and treatment of all WEEE arising in the EU be subjected to the same criteria regardless of where it is prepared for re-use and/or treated and also including operations taking place outside of the EU where WEEE is to be exported.
Ineffective enforcement
Equivalent treatment standards within Europe and also for non-EU exports should be evidenced and enforced by authorities to foster a level-playing field and competitive conditions.
Focus topics: