Press Release: Environment: EU ban on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products takes effect

From 1 July 2006 a wide range of electrical and electronic products put on the European Union market may no longer contain certain hazardous substances that can endanger human health and the environment. Four heavy metals and two groups of brominated flame retardants are being banned as they can pose a direct risk to workers' health when waste electrical and electronic equipment is recycled and can be released into the environment when such waste is incinerated or disposed of in landfill dumps. 'E-waste' is the fastest growing type of waste in Europe. Producers have had over three years to prepare for the ban's entry into force since it was decided in January 2003.

European Commission: DG Environment: Policies: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee_index.htm

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