European Union Directive, which aims to:

• Reduce the waste arising from electrical and electronic equipment
• Improve the environmental performance of all those involved in the life cycle of electrical and electronic products

One implication of WEEE is that manufacturers and suppliers will be obliged to take back and recycle electronic equipment at the end of it's useful lifecycle. [The current DTI guidance states that producers will have responsibility for financing the collection, recovery and recycling of WEEE. How this is implemented in practice in the industry remains to be seen.]

Did you know that equipment such as computer monitors are now classified as "hazardous waste", and appropriate care must be taken in disposal? It is estimated that a PC with a 15" CRT monitor has about 9lb of lead in it...

External Links

• PLASA WEEE Consultation page
• EU WEEE page
• UK Environment Agency WEEE page