Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulation (WEEE)

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulation (WEEE) is a directive in the European Union that designates safe and responsible collection, recycling and recovery procedures for all types of electronic waste. 

If improperly disposed, electronic waste like old computers, mobile phones and kitchen appliances can pose environmental and health risks from exposure to lead, mercury and other heavy metals. The WEEE regulation aims to reduce these risks by providing a safe way to get rid of these materials. Eventually, WEEE will phase out dangerous materials in exchange for safer alternatives.

Under these regulations, manufacturers of specified disposal equipment are directly responsible for the disposal of electronic waste.  These companies must meet collection targets, collecting 65% of the average weight of electronics placed on the market in the previous two years.

Read more:

WEEE Man, a seven meter statue made of electronic waste, draws attention to WEEE initiatives.