WEEE Directive 2003

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is the fastest growing element in the municipal waste stream. There are many hazardous substances used in IT equipment including lead, cadmium, mercury, bromine compounds and arsenic.

Disposal poses a real threat of pollution to our water, air and land. The EC has issued the WEEE Directive that aims to reduce the waste arising from electrical and electronic equipment. This must be transposed into member state legislation by August 2004.

The WEEE Directive sets targets that 65% of IT equipment must be recycled and materials such as CRT's, LCD displays, printed circuit boards, batteries and flame retardant plastics be pre-treated before disposal.

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