Doubts raised over electronic waste directive

Date: 03/05/01

A BID by MEPs to make electronic goods more eco-friendly and boost recycling would damage the competitiveness of European firms and generate more waste, manufacturers are warning.

The concerns were raised after the European Parliament's environment committee voted to toughen directives on recycling electronic equipment and the phase-out of dangerous substances used in production.

Euro MPs voted to make producers pay for the waste to be picked up at doorsteps rather than from the proposed collection points - a move which industry says could double the estimated 2-billion euro cost of the scheme.

Susanne Klunkert of the European Association of Consumer Electronics Manufacturers said another amendment backed by MEPs to bring forward bans on materials such as lead would make some repairs impossible.

But industry groups are supporting a plan proposed by German MEP Karl-Heinz

Florenz, which sets individual responsibility as the norm while leaving countries free to impose collective arrangements where this proves too impractical.

The proposals look set to go to conciliation talks if the full Parliament endorses the directives later this month.

A bid by MEPs to make electronic goods more eco-friendly and boost recycling would damage the competitiveness of European firms and generate more waste, manufacturers are warning.