WEEE Directive

Key points to know about the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive for the reduction of electronic waste

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) is an EU regulation that aims to reduce the negative environmental impact of electronic waste. Here are some key points you need to know about the WEEE Directive:

Categories of EEE covered by WEEE:

1. Heat exchange equipment.
2. Screens, monitors and equipment containing screens with a surface area of more than 100 cm2.
3. Lamps.
4. Large equipment (any external dimension larger than 50 cm).
5. Small equipment (no external dimensions greater than 50 cm).
6. Small computer and telecommunications equipment (no external dimensions larger than 50 cm).

Objectives of the WEEE Directive:

• Manufacturers must register with the national regulatory authorities of each EU country where the product is sold and report the sales volumes of each type of product.
• Producers must set up or participate in a system for the collection of EEE at the end of its life cycle for the objectives of recoverability, reusability and recyclability.
• EEE should be marked with a crossed-out trash can symbol.
• Manufacturers must meet the objectives of recoverability, reusability and recyclability of WEEE.

WEEE recoverability, reusability and recyclability objectives:

• For WEEE listed in Annex III, category 1 or 4, 85% shall be recovered and 80% shall be prepared for reuse and recycled.
• For WEEE falling under category 2 of Annex III, 80% shall be recovered and 70% shall be prepared for reuse and recycled.
• For WEEE listed in Annex III, category 5 or 6, 75% shall be recovered and 55% shall be prepared for reuse and recycled.
• For WEEE falling under category 3 of Annex III, 80% shall be recycled.

How ComplyMarket can help you:

The ComplyMarket team can help you achieve the WEEE Recoverability, Reusability and Recyclability goals by supporting you in the design and control of your products. Our experts use the following material efficiency standards:

• EN 45555:2019 General methods for assessing the recyclability and recoverability of energy-related products
• EN 45556:2019 General Method for Evaluating the Proportion of Reused Components in Energy-Related Products
• EN 45557:2020 General method for assessing the percentage of recycled material contained in energy-related products

With the support of ComplyMarket, you can ensure that your products are WEEE compliant and contribute to a more sustainable future.