The WEEE Directive – Evaluating Problems for Stakeholders Andrew Williams ESRC Centre for Business Relationships, Accountability, Sustainability & Society (BRASS) Cardiff University

Some Key Unresolved Issues Retailer involvement in take-back systems Challenges for Local Authorities Product design issues Ensuring an adequate recycling infrastructure Role of refurbishers and social economy Strategic vision

Retailer involvement in take- back systems [1] “When supplying a new product, distributors shall be responsible for ensuring that such waste can be returned to the distributor at least free of charge on a one-for-one basis as long as the equipment is of equivalent type and has fulfilled the same functions as the supplied equipment. Member States may depart from this provision provided they ensure that returning the WEEE is not thereby made more difficult for the final holder and provided that these systems remain free of charge for the final holder” WEEE Directive, Article 5(2)b

Retailer involvement in take- back systems [2] Retailer concerns with in-store take-back - Space - Cost - Planning issues - Health & safety - Licensing implications - Reverse logistics Alternative financing option Challenge for policy-makers

Challenges for Local Authorities Current system Development of civic amenity infrastructure Barriers to development Planning and/or licensing requirements Space constraints Geographical coverage Finance

Product Design [1] Modification of product design - Reducing toxic components - Reversible fasteners - Fewer materials - Labelling - Use of modular design - Assessment of residual value

Product Design [2] Modification of design process Function and system innovation Product-service systems

Recycling infrastructure Previous problems Uncertainty over volume Uncertainty over guidance & standards Rise in Exports Specific products/components Financing

Role of Re-use infrastructure and social economy Commission objectives Growing sector in UK Sustainable approach Increasing professionalisation Licensing implications

Strategic Vision Need for integrated life-cycle approach Need to plan for future targets Raising awareness amongst consumers Implications for Wales Leadership and vision