Directive 2002/95 - Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment

official title

 

Legal instrument	Directive
Number legal act	Directive 2002/95
Original proposal	COM(2000)347
CELEX number171	32002L0095

Avis juridique important

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Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment

Official Journal L 037 , 13/02/2003 P. 0019 - 0023

Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

of 27 January 2003

on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 95 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(2),

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of Regions(3),

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty in the light of the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee on 8 November 2002(4),

Whereas:

• (1) 

  The disparities between the laws or administrative measures adopted by the Member States as regards the restriction of the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment could create barriers to trade and distort competition in the Community and may thereby have a direct impact on the establishment and functioning of the internal market. It therefore appears necessary to approximate the laws of the Member States in this field and to contribute to the protection of human health and the environmentally sound recovery and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment.

• (2) 

  The European Council at its meeting in Nice on 7, 8 and 9 December 2000 endorsed the Council Resolution of 4 December 2000 on the precautionary principle.

• (3) 

  The Commission Communication of 30 July 1996 on the review of the Community strategy for waste management stresses the need to reduce the content of hazardous substances in waste and points out the potential benefits of Community-wide rules limiting the presence of such substances in products and in production processes.

• (4) 

  The Council Resolution of 25 January 1988 on a Community action programme to combat environmental pollution by cadmium(5) invites the Commission to pursue without delay the development of specific measures for such a programme. Human health also has to be protected and an overall strategy that in particular restricts the use of cadmium and stimulates research into substitutes should therefore be implemented. The Resolution stresses that the use of cadmium should be limited to cases where suitable and safer alternatives do not exist.

• (5) 

  The available evidence indicates that measures on the collection, treatment, recycling and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) as set out in Directive 2002/96/EC of 27 January 2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste electrical and electronic equipment(6) are necessary to reduce the waste management problems linked to the heavy metals concerned and the flame retardants concerned. In spite of those measures, however, significant parts of WEEE will continue to be found in the current disposal routes. Even if WEEE were collected separately and submitted to recycling processes, its content of mercury, cadmium, lead, chromium VI, PBB and PBDE would be likely to pose risks to health or the environment.

• (6) 

  Taking into account technical and economic feasibility, the most effective way of ensuring the significant reduction of risks to health and the environment relating to those substances which can achieve the chosen level of protection in the Community is the substitution of those substances in electrical and electronic equipment by safe or safer materials. Restricting the use of these hazardous substances is likely to enhance the possibilities and economic profitability of recycling of WEEE...

This text has been adopted from EUR-Lex.

This page is also available in a full version containing de geconsolideerde versie, the legal context, de Europese rechtsgrond, other dossiers related to the dossier at hand and finally the related cases of the European Court of Justice.

• 1. 

  The first computers in the 1960s were used for an average period of 10 years.Today, that period is to 4.3 years and, for the most innovative products, already less than 2 years. (Umweltverträgliche Produktgestaltung (München 1998), Ferdinand Quella/Siemens (editor) Publicis MCD Verlag.).
  
   
• 2. 

  AEA Technology, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, June 1997.
  
   
• 3. 

  Environmental Consequences of Incineration and Landfilling of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Copenhagen 1995), Nordic Council of Ministers. According to the study 'Pilotsammlung von Elektroaltgeräten in Bregenz', 95% of WEEE arising in Austria is either simply disposed of with the municipal waste or introduced into the metal recycling chain without any pre-treatment.
  
   
• 4. 

  Compare, for example, Malley 'Schwergewicht' c't 1997, Vol. 5, p. 170.
  
   
• 5. 

  OJ C 138, 17.5.1993.
  
   
• 6. 

  OJ C 122, 18.5.1990.
  
   
• 7. 

  OJ C 76, 11.3.1997.
  
   
• 8. 

  More detail on this in 'Waste from electrical and electronic products - a survey of the contents of materials and hazardous substances in electric and electronic products' (Copenhagen 1995), Nordic Council of Ministers.
  
   
• 9. 

  Environmental Consequences of Incineration and Landfilling of Waste from Electr(on)ic Equipment (Copenhagen 1995), Nordic Council of Ministers. According to the study 'Pilotsammlung von Elektroaltgeräten in Bregenz' 95% of the WEEE arising in Austria are either simply disposed of with the municipal waste or introduced into the metal recycling chain without any pre-treatment.
  
   
• 10. 

  The European Atmospheric Emission Inventory of Heavy Metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants for 1990, Umweltbundesamt, Germany, 1997.
  
   
• 11. 

  Identification of Relevant industrial Sources of Dioxins and Furans in Europe, Landesumweltamt Nordrhein-Westfalen, 1997.
  
   
• 12. 

  'Bestimmung von polybromierten und plychlorierten Dibenzofioxinen und -furanen in verschiedenen umweltrelevanten Materialien' U. Schacht, B. Gras und S.Sievers in Dioxin-Informationsveranstaltung EPA Dioxin-Reassessment, edited by Otto Hutzinger und Heidelore Fiedler containing further references on this subject.
  
   
• 13. 

  COM(1998)558 final.
  
   
• 14. 

  OJ L 192, 7.7.1989.
  
   
• 15. 

  OJ L 203, 15.7.1989.
  
   
• 16. 

  According to M. Rohr, Umwelt Wirschaftsforum, No 1, 1992, more than 20% of the plastic used in electrical and electronic equipment is PVC.
  
   
• 17. 

  Environmental aspects of PVC (Copenhagen 1996), Danish Environmental Protection Agency Position Paper of the Netherlands on PVC (The Hague 1997), Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment. The influence of PVC on quantity and hazardousness of flue gas residues from incineration, Study for DG ENV, Bertin Technologies, 2000.
  
   
• 18. 

  The Behaviour of PVC in Landfill, Study for DG ENV, Argus in association with University Rotstock, 1999.
  
   
• 19. 

  Prognos, Study for DG XI, Mechanical recycling of PVC wastes, January 2000.
  
   
• 20. 

  Report of C. Voûte, Recycling and Waste Control Officer, Corporation of London, on 'Electrical/Electronic products recycling in Germany' to Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling (ICER).
  
   
• 21. 

  As an example small WEEE are the source of 40% of the copper content of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration bottom ash (Compare Modelmatige analyse van integraal verbranden van klein chemisch afval en klein wit- en bruingoed (Netherlands 1996), TNO rapport voor VROM/DGM (Directie Afvalstoffen)). One of the main problems linked to an increased copper content of the slag of incinerators is the difficulty to recover these slags as a secondary building material in an environmentally responsible way. Further data on the content of heavy metals in the slag, flue gas, filter cake and fly ash are given in 'Messung der Güter- und Stoffbilanz einer Müllverbrennungsanlage' (Wien 1994), Umweltbundesamt and MA 22.
  
   
• 22. 

  Netherlands 1996, TNO rapport voor VROM/DGM (Directie Afvalstoffen).
  
   
• 23. 

  As an example the total number of landfills in Greece is approximately 5,000. It is estimated that around 70% of the landfills are considered to be uncontrolled (Conference for the planning of waste management, Greece 16-17 January 1997). In Portugal the number of uncontrolled landfills is approximately 300 (Conference for the planning of waste management, Portugal 23-24 January 1997).
  
   
• 24. 

  The screening of the respective legislation revealed that nearly all of their landfills are uncontrolled without any technical provisions to prevent leaching of hazardous substances to the groundwater or emissions to the atmosphere.
  
   
• 25. 

  Environmental Consequences of Incineration and Landfilling of Waste from Electr(on)ic Equipment (Copenhagen 1995), Nordic Council of Ministers.
  
   
• 26. 

  As an example, the case of the metal reclamation plant Brixlegg/Austria ("Comparison of PCDD/PCDF levels in soil, grass, cow's milk, human blood and spruce needles in an area of PCDD/PCDF contamination through emissions from a metal reclamation plant" Riss, Hagenmaier, Chemosphere, Vol. 21, No 12, pp. 1451-1456, 1990).
  
   
• 27. 

  See "Formation of Polybrominated Dibenzofurans (PBDF's) and -Dioxins (PBDD's) during extrusion production of a Polybutyleneterephtalate (PBTP)/ Glassfibre resin blended with Decabromodiphenylether (DBDPE)/Sb2O3; product and workplace analysis" Brenner, Knies, BASF 1986.
  
   
• 28. 

  According to the report 'Brominated flame retardants - Substance Flow Analysis and Assessment of Alternatives' of the Danish EPA (1999), no recycling activities are taking place for materials containing brominated flame retardants.
  
   
• 29. 

  Compare the example given on page 18 of the report of C. Voûte, Recycling and Waste Control Officer, Corporation of London, on 'Electrical/Electronic products recycling in Germany' to ICER (Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling).
  
   
• 30. 

  The case of the Austrian copper recycler in Brixlegg is well documented and confirms this situation (compare 'Montanwerke Brixlegg - Wirkungen auf die Umwelt'; Umweltbundesamt, Monographien Bd. 25, Wien, Juni 1990).
  
   
• 31. 

  Due to the lack of proper dismantling of WEEE, shredder waste of white goods has a high concentration of lead, ranging from 940 to 9,400 mg/kg. Around 95% of the PCB contained in condensators (617,500 mg/kg) ends up in the shredder dust. Therefore, the contaminated shredder has to be dealt with as dangerous waste. Compared to the incineration of ordinary wastes the incineration of dangerous waste is an expensive process. As a consequence the PCB contamination of shredder waste entails an enormous increase in costs.
  
   
• 32. 

  Malley 'Schwergewicht' c't 1997, Heft 5, p. 170.
  
   
• 33. 

  OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10.
  
   
• 34. 

  OJ L 1, 5.1.1999, p. 1.
  
   
• 35. 

  Compare Risk Reduction Monograph No 1 Lead - Background and national experience with reducing risk, OECD Paris 1993.
  
   
• 36. 

  OJ L 196, 16.8.1967, p. 1.
  
   
• 37. 

  This information is based on the risk reduction monograph no 5, CADMIUM, Background and national experience with reducing risk (OCDE/GD894) 97; Health effects of cadmium exposure-a review of the literature and a risk estimate (Lars Järup and others) Scand J. Work Environ Health 98; Environmental impacts of cadmium, Gerrit H. Vonkeman 1995; Cadmium in Sweden-environmental risks, Helena Parkman and others 1997 and other research on this issue.
  
   
• 38. 

  See "Formation of Polybrominated Dibenzofurans (PBDF's) and -Dioxins (PBDD's) during extrusion production of a Polybutyleneterephtalate (PBTP)/Glassfibre resin blended with Decabromodiphenylether (DBDPE)/Sb2O3; product and workplace analysis" Brenner, Knies, BASF 1986. Further information to be found in 'Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in the Swedish Environment', Ulla Sellström, Stockholm 1996.
  
   
• 39. 

  Flame retardant exposure - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in blood from Swedish workers, Sjödin et al. Stockhom 1999.
  
   
• 40. 

  Information and recommendation from the risk reduction monograph no 3, selected brominated flame retardants - Background and national experience with reducing risk, OECD Paris 1994.
  
   
• 41. 

  Compare Lead risk management activities in OECD Member Countries (1993-1998), OECD, Paris 2000.
  
   
• 42. 

  OJ L 78, 26.3.1991.
  
   
• 43. 

  OJ L 333, 22.12.1994.
  
   
• 44. 

  The main sources of information for the assessment of costs for separate collection and recycling are the following WEEE collection and recycling pilot projects: Bregenz, Weiz, Flachgau, Apparetour, LEEP, Lower Saxony, RDE, DSD, Swedish Ecocycle Commission, Rhône-Alpes; information provided by stakeholders concerned (producers, recyclers, etc.), the studies 'Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts' (European Commission 1997) and Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Financial Analysis of the Proposal for a Directive on Waste from Electrical and Electronik Equipment (UK DTI 1999) and the report on Priority Waste Streams Waste From Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ENEA 1995).
  
   
• 45. 

  Costs of collection and recycling minus revenues from the sale of secondary material; the calculation is based on figures including investment costs needed for the purpose of the pilot schemes.
  
   
• 46. 

  This is confirmed by preliminary results concerning the implementation of the Dutch WEEE ordinance: Initial contracts between producers and recyclers have been concluded at half the costs predicted by the Apparetour Pilot Project.
  
   
• 47. 

  Transport, sorting, logistics and treatment; communication by the Dutch Environment Ministry.
  
   
• 48. 

  This figure should, however, be seen as indicative only and needs to be adjusted to higher quantities to be expected (the Dutch figures are for 2.1 kg WEEE/inhabitant collected and treated within the framework of NVMP; these 2.1 kg, however, do not cover WEEE outside the NVMP system, e.g. equipment resold directly by municipalities at positive market prices), optimized system conditions and country specific costs.
  
   
• 49. 

  This amount does not, however, take account of mining waste from the use of virgin material that can be replaced by recycled substances. It is likely that the landfill capacity needed for this type of waste is at least several times as high as the described landfill capacities for municipal waste which can be avoided by the proposal.
  
   
• 50. 

  The absence of a quantified systematic analysis in this document reflects the current state of waste management in Europe. Scientific and statistical data, whether relating to pollution pathways, dose response relationships, the value that society puts on the absence of risk from such pollution, etc is not known. Even exact data on waste quantities going to different forms of disposal and the state of the art of many waste management processes is lacking in most Member States. Valuation of external effects, while not conceptually problematic is therefore rendered impossible by the absence of basic scientific information.
  
   
• 51. 

  Calculated on the basis of: P.R. White, M. Franke, P. Hindle, Integrated Solid Waste Management: A lifecycle inventory, 1995, in: European Commission, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, 1997.
  
   
• 52. 

  Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Financial Analysis of the Proposal for a Directive on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (UK 1999), Ecobalance UK and DMG Consulting Ltd for UK Department of Trade and Industry.
  
   
• 53. 

  For washing machines the rate is 62%, for Personal Computers 60%, for telephones 62%, for kettles 58%, for refrigerators 60%, for televisions 42.2%.
  
   
• 54. 

  Economische effecten verwijderingsbijdrage wit- en bruingoed (Den Haag 1995), KPMG.
  
   
• 55. 

  The indicated percentages refer to the sum of collection and recovery costs.
  
   
• 56. 

  This Panel is part of a consultation exercise specifically aiming at Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) set up through Communication COM(98) 197 final.
  
   
• 57. 

  OJ L 77, 26.3.1973, p. 29.
  
   
• 58. 

  AEA Technology, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, June 1997, p. 84.
  
   
• 59. 

  These measures include financial encouragement to return equipment, such as deposits, information of the consumers, including public awareness campaigns, and a consumer friendly orientation of collection facilities, including convenient opening hours, accessibility of the facilities and efficient service provided at the collection points.
  
   
• 60. 

  Collection targets for waste from electrical and electronic equipment (Germany 1998), European Commission DG XI, p. 13.
  
   
• 61. 

  Detailed explanations and descriptions of the background to the required measures are found in the study 'Pilotsammlung von Elektroaltgeräten in Bregenz - Wissenschaftliche Begleitstudie' (Bregenz/Österreich 1996), Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie.
  
   
• 62. 

  Apparetour Back to the beginning - National pilot project, for collecting, recycling and repairing electrical and electronic equipment in the district of Eindhoven (Eindhoven 1997), p. 52.
  
   
• 63. 

  Experience from all Austrian and German pilot projects ("Collection targets for waste from electrical and electronic equipment", European Commission 1998, p. 10.
  
   
• 64. 

  P.R. White, M. Franke, P. Hindle, Integrated Solid Waste Management: A lifecycle inventory, 1995, in: AEA Technology, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, June 1997; The figures are indicative only and will vary with processes and equipment used. Results are per tonne of recycled material produced. The burdens of collecting and sorting the recovered material, and transporting it to reprocessors, are not included. Similarly, the diversion of the recovered material from landfill is not included in the solid waste savings.
  
   
• 65. 

  The indicated percentages refer to the sum of collection and recovery costs.
  
   
• 66. 

  Compare, for example, Malley 'Schwergewicht' c't 1997, Vol. 5, p. 170.
  
   
• 67. 

  As an example small WEEE are the source of 40% of the copper content of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration bottom ash (Compare Modelmatige analyse van integraal verbranden van klein chemisch afval en klein wit- en bruingoed (Netherlands 1996), TNO rapport voor VROM/DGM (Directie Afvalstoffen)). One of the main problems linked to an increased copper content of the slag of incinerators is the difficulty to recover these slags as a secondary building material in an environmentally responsible way. Further data on the content of heavy metals in the slag, flue gas, filter cake and fly ash are given in 'Messung der Güter- und Stoffbilanz einer Müllverbrennungsanlage' (Wien 1994), Umweltbundesamt and MA 22.
  
   
• 68. 

  Netherlands 1996, TNO rapport voor VROM/DGM (Directie Afvalstoffen).
  
   
• 69. 

  As an example the total number of landfills in Greece is approximately 5,000. It is estimated that around 70% of the landfills are considered to be uncontrolled (Conference for the planning of waste management, Greece 16-17 January 1997). In Portugal the number of uncontrolled landfills is approximately 300 (Conference for the planning of waste management, Portugal 23-24 January 1997). It should also be noted that the situation is even more critical in most candidate countries for accession to the European Union.
  
   
• 70. 

  OJ C
  
   
• 71. 

  OJ C
  
   
• 72. 

  OJ C
  
   
• 73. 

  Opinion of the European Parliament of .. .. ... (OJ C .......), common position of the Council of .. . .. (OJ C .....) and Decision of the European Parliament of .. .. .... (OJ C ......). .....
  
   
• 74. 

  COM(96) 399 final.
  
   
• 75. 

  OJ C 30, 4.2.1988, p. 1.
  
   
• 76. 

  OJ L
  
   
• 77. 

  OJ L 78, 26.3.1991, p. 38.
  
   
• 78. 

  OJ L 1, 5.1.1999, p. 1.
  
   
• 79. 

  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
  
   
• 80. 

  AEA Technology, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, June 1997.
  
   
• 81. 

  The first computers in the 1960s were used for an average period of 10 years.Today, that period is to 4.3 years and, for the most innovative products, already less than 2 years. (Umweltverträgliche Produktgestaltung (München 1998), Ferdinand Quella/Siemens (editor) Publicis MCD Verlag.).
  
   
• 82. 

  The first computers in the 1960s were used for an average period of 10 years.Today, that period is to 4.3 years and, for the most innovative products, already less than 2 years. (Umweltverträgliche Produktgestaltung (München 1998), Ferdinand Quella/Siemens (editor) Publicis MCD Verlag.).
  
   
• 83. 

  The first computers in the 1960s were used for an average period of 10 years.Today, that period is to 4.3 years and, for the most innovative products, already less than 2 years. (Umweltverträgliche Produktgestaltung (München 1998), Ferdinand Quella/Siemens (editor) Publicis MCD Verlag.).
  
   
• 84. 

  OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, p. 39.
  
   
• 85. 

  OJ C 122, 18.5.1990.
  
   
• 86. 

  The first computers in the 1960s were used for an average period of 10 years.Today, that period is to 4.3 years and, for the most innovative products, already less than 2 years. (Umweltverträgliche Produktgestaltung (München 1998), Ferdinand Quella/Siemens (editor) Publicis MCD Verlag.).
  
   
• 87. 

  AEA Technology, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, June 1997.
  
   
• 88. 

  Environmental Consequences of Incineration and Landfilling of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Copenhagen 1995), Nordic Council of Ministers. According to the study 'Pilotsammlung von Elektroaltgeräten in Bregenz', 95% of WEEE arising in Austria is either simply disposed of with the municipal waste or introduced into the metal recycling chain without any pre-treatment.
  
   
• 89. 

  Compare, for example, Malley 'Schwergewicht' c't 1997, Vol. 5, p. 170.
  
   
• 90. 

  OJ C 138, 17.5.1993.
  
   
• 91. 

  OJ C 122, 18.5.1990.
  
   
• 92. 

  OJ C 76, 11.3.1997.
  
   
• 93. 

  More detail on this in 'Waste from electrical and electronic products - a survey of the contents of materials and hazardous substances in electric and electronic products' (Copenhagen 1995), Nordic Council of Ministers.
  
   
• 94. 

  Environmental Consequences of Incineration and Landfilling of Waste from Electr(on)ic Equipment (Copenhagen 1995), Nordic Council of Ministers. According to the study 'Pilotsammlung von Elektroaltgeräten in Bregenz' 95% of the WEEE arising in Austria are either simply disposed of with the municipal waste or introduced into the metal recycling chain without any pre-treatment.
  
   
• 95. 

  The European Atmospheric Emission Inventory of Heavy Metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants for 1990, Umweltbundesamt, Germany, 1997.
  
   
• 96. 

  Identification of Relevant industrial Sources of Dioxins and Furans in Europe, Landesumweltamt Nordrhein-Westfalen, 1997.
  
   
• 97. 

  'Bestimmung von polybromierten und plychlorierten Dibenzofioxinen und -furanen in verschiedenen umweltrelevanten Materialien' U. Schacht, B. Gras und S.Sievers in Dioxin-Informationsveranstaltung EPA Dioxin-Reassessment, edited by Otto Hutzinger und Heidelore Fiedler containing further references on this subject.
  
   
• 98. 

  COM(1998)558 final.
  
   
• 99. 

  OJ L 192, 7.7.1989.
  
   
• 100. 

  OJ L 203, 15.7.1989.
  
   
• 101. 

  According to M. Rohr, Umwelt Wirschaftsforum, No 1, 1992, more than 20% of the plastic used in electrical and electronic equipment is PVC.
  
   
• 102. 

  Environmental aspects of PVC (Copenhagen 1996), Danish Environmental Protection Agency Position Paper of the Netherlands on PVC (The Hague 1997), Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment. The influence of PVC on quantity and hazardousness of flue gas residues from incineration, Study for DG ENV, Bertin Technologies, 2000.
  
   
• 103. 

  The Behaviour of PVC in Landfill, Study for DG ENV, Argus in association with University Rotstock, 1999.
  
   
• 104. 

  Prognos, Study for DG XI, Mechanical recycling of PVC wastes, January 2000.
  
   
• 105. 

  Report of C. Voûte, Recycling and Waste Control Officer, Corporation of London, on 'Electrical/Electronic products recycling in Germany' to Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling (ICER).
  
   
• 106. 

  As an example small WEEE are the source of 40% of the copper content of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration bottom ash (Compare Modelmatige analyse van integraal verbranden van klein chemisch afval en klein wit- en bruingoed (Netherlands 1996), TNO rapport voor VROM/DGM (Directie Afvalstoffen)). One of the main problems linked to an increased copper content of the slag of incinerators is the difficulty to recover these slags as a secondary building material in an environmentally responsible way. Further data on the content of heavy metals in the slag, flue gas, filter cake and fly ash are given in 'Messung der Güter- und Stoffbilanz einer Müllverbrennungsanlage' (Wien 1994), Umweltbundesamt and MA 22.
  
   
• 107. 

  Netherlands 1996, TNO rapport voor VROM/DGM (Directie Afvalstoffen).
  
   
• 108. 

  As an example the total number of landfills in Greece is approximately 5,000. It is estimated that around 70% of the landfills are considered to be uncontrolled (Conference for the planning of waste management, Greece 16-17 January 1997). In Portugal the number of uncontrolled landfills is approximately 300 (Conference for the planning of waste management, Portugal 23-24 January 1997).
  
   
• 109. 

  The screening of the respective legislation revealed that nearly all of their landfills are uncontrolled without any technical provisions to prevent leaching of hazardous substances to the groundwater or emissions to the atmosphere.
  
   
• 110. 

  Environmental Consequences of Incineration and Landfilling of Waste from Electr(on)ic Equipment (Copenhagen 1995), Nordic Council of Ministers.
  
   
• 111. 

  As an example, the case of the metal reclamation plant Brixlegg/Austria ("Comparison of PCDD/PCDF levels in soil, grass, cow's milk, human blood and spruce needles in an area of PCDD/PCDF contamination through emissions from a metal reclamation plant" Riss, Hagenmaier, Chemosphere, Vol. 21, No 12, pp. 1451-1456, 1990).
  
   
• 112. 

  See "Formation of Polybrominated Dibenzofurans (PBDF's) and -Dioxins (PBDD's) during extrusion production of a Polybutyleneterephtalate (PBTP)/ Glassfibre resin blended with Decabromodiphenylether (DBDPE)/Sb2O3; product and workplace analysis" Brenner, Knies, BASF 1986.
  
   
• 113. 

  According to the report 'Brominated flame retardants - Substance Flow Analysis and Assessment of Alternatives' of the Danish EPA (1999), no recycling activities are taking place for materials containing brominated flame retardants.
  
   
• 114. 

  Compare the example given on page 18 of the report of C. Voûte, Recycling and Waste Control Officer, Corporation of London, on 'Electrical/Electronic products recycling in Germany' to ICER (Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling).
  
   
• 115. 

  The case of the Austrian copper recycler in Brixlegg is well documented and confirms this situation (compare 'Montanwerke Brixlegg - Wirkungen auf die Umwelt'; Umweltbundesamt, Monographien Bd. 25, Wien, Juni 1990).
  
   
• 116. 

  Due to the lack of proper dismantling of WEEE, shredder waste of white goods has a high concentration of lead, ranging from 940 to 9,400 mg/kg. Around 95% of the PCB contained in condensators (617,500 mg/kg) ends up in the shredder dust. Therefore, the contaminated shredder has to be dealt with as dangerous waste. Compared to the incineration of ordinary wastes the incineration of dangerous waste is an expensive process. As a consequence the PCB contamination of shredder waste entails an enormous increase in costs.
  
   
• 117. 

  Malley 'Schwergewicht' c't 1997, Heft 5, p. 170.
  
   
• 118. 

  OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10.
  
   
• 119. 

  OJ L 1, 5.1.1999, p. 1.
  
   
• 120. 

  Compare Risk Reduction Monograph No 1 Lead - Background and national experience with reducing risk, OECD Paris 1993.
  
   
• 121. 

  OJ L 196, 16.8.1967, p. 1.
  
   
• 122. 

  This information is based on the risk reduction monograph no 5, CADMIUM, Background and national experience with reducing risk (OCDE/GD894) 97; Health effects of cadmium exposure-a review of the literature and a risk estimate (Lars Järup and others) Scand J. Work Environ Health 98; Environmental impacts of cadmium, Gerrit H. Vonkeman 1995; Cadmium in Sweden-environmental risks, Helena Parkman and others 1997 and other research on this issue.
  
   
• 123. 

  See "Formation of Polybrominated Dibenzofurans (PBDF's) and -Dioxins (PBDD's) during extrusion production of a Polybutyleneterephtalate (PBTP)/Glassfibre resin blended with Decabromodiphenylether (DBDPE)/Sb2O3; product and workplace analysis" Brenner, Knies, BASF 1986. Further information to be found in 'Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in the Swedish Environment', Ulla Sellström, Stockholm 1996.
  
   
• 124. 

  Flame retardant exposure - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in blood from Swedish workers, Sjödin et al. Stockhom 1999.
  
   
• 125. 

  Information and recommendation from the risk reduction monograph no 3, selected brominated flame retardants - Background and national experience with reducing risk, OECD Paris 1994.
  
   
• 126. 

  Compare Lead risk management activities in OECD Member Countries (1993-1998), OECD, Paris 2000.
  
   
• 127. 

  OJ L 78, 26.3.1991.
  
   
• 128. 

  OJ L 333, 22.12.1994.
  
   
• 129. 

  The main sources of information for the assessment of costs for separate collection and recycling are the following WEEE collection and recycling pilot projects: Bregenz, Weiz, Flachgau, Apparetour, LEEP, Lower Saxony, RDE, DSD, Swedish Ecocycle Commission, Rhône-Alpes; information provided by stakeholders concerned (producers, recyclers, etc.), the studies 'Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts' (European Commission 1997) and Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Financial Analysis of the Proposal for a Directive on Waste from Electrical and Electronik Equipment (UK DTI 1999) and the report on Priority Waste Streams Waste From Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ENEA 1995).
  
   
• 130. 

  Costs of collection and recycling minus revenues from the sale of secondary material; the calculation is based on figures including investment costs needed for the purpose of the pilot schemes.
  
   
• 131. 

  This is confirmed by preliminary results concerning the implementation of the Dutch WEEE ordinance: Initial contracts between producers and recyclers have been concluded at half the costs predicted by the Apparetour Pilot Project.
  
   
• 132. 

  Transport, sorting, logistics and treatment; communication by the Dutch Environment Ministry.
  
   
• 133. 

  This figure should, however, be seen as indicative only and needs to be adjusted to higher quantities to be expected (the Dutch figures are for 2.1 kg WEEE/inhabitant collected and treated within the framework of NVMP; these 2.1 kg, however, do not cover WEEE outside the NVMP system, e.g. equipment resold directly by municipalities at positive market prices), optimized system conditions and country specific costs.
  
   
• 134. 

  This amount does not, however, take account of mining waste from the use of virgin material that can be replaced by recycled substances. It is likely that the landfill capacity needed for this type of waste is at least several times as high as the described landfill capacities for municipal waste which can be avoided by the proposal.
  
   
• 135. 

  The absence of a quantified systematic analysis in this document reflects the current state of waste management in Europe. Scientific and statistical data, whether relating to pollution pathways, dose response relationships, the value that society puts on the absence of risk from such pollution, etc is not known. Even exact data on waste quantities going to different forms of disposal and the state of the art of many waste management processes is lacking in most Member States. Valuation of external effects, while not conceptually problematic is therefore rendered impossible by the absence of basic scientific information.
  
   
• 136. 

  Calculated on the basis of: P.R. White, M. Franke, P. Hindle, Integrated Solid Waste Management: A lifecycle inventory, 1995, in: European Commission, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, 1997.
  
   
• 137. 

  Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Financial Analysis of the Proposal for a Directive on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (UK 1999), Ecobalance UK and DMG Consulting Ltd for UK Department of Trade and Industry.
  
   
• 138. 

  For washing machines the rate is 62%, for Personal Computers 60%, for telephones 62%, for kettles 58%, for refrigerators 60%, for televisions 42.2%.
  
   
• 139. 

  Economische effecten verwijderingsbijdrage wit- en bruingoed (Den Haag 1995), KPMG.
  
   
• 140. 

  The indicated percentages refer to the sum of collection and recovery costs.
  
   
• 141. 

  This Panel is part of a consultation exercise specifically aiming at Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) set up through Communication COM(98) 197 final.
  
   
• 142. 

  OJ L 77, 26.3.1973, p. 29.
  
   
• 143. 

  AEA Technology, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, June 1997, p. 84.
  
   
• 144. 

  These measures include financial encouragement to return equipment, such as deposits, information of the consumers, including public awareness campaigns, and a consumer friendly orientation of collection facilities, including convenient opening hours, accessibility of the facilities and efficient service provided at the collection points.
  
   
• 145. 

  Collection targets for waste from electrical and electronic equipment (Germany 1998), European Commission DG XI, p. 13.
  
   
• 146. 

  Detailed explanations and descriptions of the background to the required measures are found in the study 'Pilotsammlung von Elektroaltgeräten in Bregenz - Wissenschaftliche Begleitstudie' (Bregenz/Österreich 1996), Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie.
  
   
• 147. 

  Apparetour Back to the beginning - National pilot project, for collecting, recycling and repairing electrical and electronic equipment in the district of Eindhoven (Eindhoven 1997), p. 52.
  
   
• 148. 

  Experience from all Austrian and German pilot projects ("Collection targets for waste from electrical and electronic equipment", European Commission 1998, p. 10.
  
   
• 149. 

  P.R. White, M. Franke, P. Hindle, Integrated Solid Waste Management: A lifecycle inventory, 1995, in: AEA Technology, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, June 1997; The figures are indicative only and will vary with processes and equipment used. Results are per tonne of recycled material produced. The burdens of collecting and sorting the recovered material, and transporting it to reprocessors, are not included. Similarly, the diversion of the recovered material from landfill is not included in the solid waste savings.
  
   
• 150. 

  The indicated percentages refer to the sum of collection and recovery costs.
  
   
• 151. 

  Compare, for example, Malley 'Schwergewicht' c't 1997, Vol. 5, p. 170.
  
   
• 152. 

  As an example small WEEE are the source of 40% of the copper content of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration bottom ash (Compare Modelmatige analyse van integraal verbranden van klein chemisch afval en klein wit- en bruingoed (Netherlands 1996), TNO rapport voor VROM/DGM (Directie Afvalstoffen)). One of the main problems linked to an increased copper content of the slag of incinerators is the difficulty to recover these slags as a secondary building material in an environmentally responsible way. Further data on the content of heavy metals in the slag, flue gas, filter cake and fly ash are given in 'Messung der Güter- und Stoffbilanz einer Müllverbrennungsanlage' (Wien 1994), Umweltbundesamt and MA 22.
  
   
• 153. 

  Netherlands 1996, TNO rapport voor VROM/DGM (Directie Afvalstoffen).
  
   
• 154. 

  As an example the total number of landfills in Greece is approximately 5,000. It is estimated that around 70% of the landfills are considered to be uncontrolled (Conference for the planning of waste management, Greece 16-17 January 1997). In Portugal the number of uncontrolled landfills is approximately 300 (Conference for the planning of waste management, Portugal 23-24 January 1997). It should also be noted that the situation is even more critical in most candidate countries for accession to the European Union.
  
   
• 155. 

  OJ C
  
   
• 156. 

  OJ C
  
   
• 157. 

  OJ C
  
   
• 158. 

  Opinion of the European Parliament of .. .. ... (OJ C .......), common position of the Council of .. . .. (OJ C .....) and Decision of the European Parliament of .. .. .... (OJ C ......). .....
  
   
• 159. 

  COM(96) 399 final.
  
   
• 160. 

  OJ C 30, 4.2.1988, p. 1.
  
   
• 161. 

  OJ L
  
   
• 162. 

  OJ L 78, 26.3.1991, p. 38.
  
   
• 163. 

  OJ L 1, 5.1.1999, p. 1.
  
   
• 164. 

  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
  
   
• 165. 

  AEA Technology, Recovery of WEEE: Economic and Environmental Impacts, June 1997.
  
   
• 166. 

  The first computers in the 1960s were used for an average period of 10 years.Today, that period is to 4.3 years and, for the most innovative products, already less than 2 years. (Umweltverträgliche Produktgestaltung (München 1998), Ferdinand Quella/Siemens (editor) Publicis MCD Verlag.).
  
   
• 167. 

  The first computers in the 1960s were used for an average period of 10 years.Today, that period is to 4.3 years and, for the most innovative products, already less than 2 years. (Umweltverträgliche Produktgestaltung (München 1998), Ferdinand Quella/Siemens (editor) Publicis MCD Verlag.).
  
   
• 168. 

  The first computers in the 1960s were used for an average period of 10 years.Today, that period is to 4.3 years and, for the most innovative products, already less than 2 years. (Umweltverträgliche Produktgestaltung (München 1998), Ferdinand Quella/Siemens (editor) Publicis MCD Verlag.).
  
   
• 169. 

  OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, p. 39.
  
   
• 170. 

  OJ C 122, 18.5.1990.
  
   
• 171. 

  Deze databank van de Europese Unie biedt de mogelijkheid de actuele werkzaamheden (workflow) van de Europese instellingen (Europees Parlement, Raad, ESC, Comité van de Regio's, Europese Centrale Bank, Hof van Justitie enz.) te volgen. EURlex volgt alle voorstellen (zoals wetgevende en begrotingsdossiers) en mededelingen van de Commissie, vanaf het moment dat ze aan de Raad of het Europees Parlement worden voorgelegd.
   
• 172. 

  EUR-lex provides an overview of the proposal, amendments, citations and legality.