Germany Approves E-Waste Act Revision Amid EU Directive Delay
The German Federal Cabinet has given the green light to revise the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act. This move comes as the European Commissioner for the revision of the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE directive) remains unnamed. Bitkom, the digital association, has welcomed the plans but calls for a more cohesive EU-wide regulation.
Bitkom CEO Dr. Bernhard Rohleder praised the federal government's intentions to enhance electrical waste collection and introduce a standardised logo for collection points. However, he stressed the need for a consistent EU-wide regulation to boost the lifespan of devices, manage waste efficiently, and close material cycles.
Currently, the WEEE directive revision takes a national approach, which Bitkom argues does not provide a sustainable solution. To increase the return rates of old devices, Bitkom suggests providing easily accessible digital information for consumers about recycling options. This, they believe, requires an EU-level approach, as a revision of the directive is pending.
The Federal Cabinet's approval of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act revision is a step forward. However, Bitkom emphasises the necessity for a unified EU-wide regulation to tackle electrical waste effectively. The digital association welcomes the government's plans but urges a more comprehensive Europe-wide approach.
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