Electronic Waste Disposal – Current Overview
If you’re a company, manufacturer, or retailer bringing electrical appliances to the European market, you must adhere to the electronic waste disposal directive in each respective country. Disposing of electronic waste can become a complex issue, especially if you’re present in multiple markets or aiming for EU expansion. It’s beneficial to have an experienced partner like Deutsche Recycling GmbH by your side in such cases.
In this post, we provide a current, concise overview of the electronic waste disposal guidelines in Europe for the years 2023/2024 from four countries. An official summary, recently released, outlines the key requirements for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) disposal from 34 European countries.
The minimum requirements for the treatment of electrical and electronic waste in the European Union have long been set by the Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive. However, each country’s adoption of this directive into national law results in different regulations. Additionally, ongoing adjustments and changes to electronic waste disposal directives further complicate matters. There has been an updated edition of electronic waste disposal in Europe 2023, summarizing the current status as of November 2023 for 34 European countries.
Basic Information about Electronic Waste Disposal in Europe
Since the WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU, the collection and disposal of old electrical and electronic equipment have been regulated throughout the EU. This directive came into effect on August 13, 2012. Each EU country has the option to transpose it into national law and customize it accordingly. Consequently, the requirements for electronic waste disposal vary significantly from country to country. There was a high demand for a practical overview of electronic waste disposal in Europe, leading to the first DIHK publication “Electrical Waste Disposal in Europe” in 2016.
Since then, there have been many new regulations, ordinances, scope of application changes, take-back guidelines, and much more. To continue supporting obligated companies and manufacturers operating in the EU market, an updated version has been released, capturing the new regulations of individual countries.
But beware: The current edition of electronic waste disposal provides a good initial impression. However, due to ongoing adjustments, there is no guarantee of completeness and timeliness. Only with a professional service provider like us, are you secure in meeting all country laws and minimizing the risk of sanctions. Because remember: Ignorance does not protect you in this case. Also, the following five countries we present from the electronic waste disposal publication are only a snapshot in time.
Electronic Waste Disposal in Europe: A Comparison of 4 Countries
Below, we’ve summarized the requirements for electronic waste disposal from Denmark, Germany, France, and Italy in a compact manner.
Electronic Waste Disposal in Denmark
- Legal implementation through the Danish Producer Responsibility (DPA).
- National registration authority: DPA-System.
- Duties of manufacturers and importers: labeling obligation with the crossed-out waste bin pictogram, registration obligation with the DPA-System, annual quantity reporting obligation, and take-back obligation.
- Duties of retailers: no obligation to take back.
- Authorized representative arrangement: registration possible through a registered authorized representative.
- Costs: one-time registration fee in the DPA-System of 1,000 DKK (approximately 134 EUR), all further fees are quantity-dependent and adjusted annually.
- Take-back and disposal: by municipalities at collection points.
- Obligated external parties: collective systems as supporters.
Electronic Waste Disposal in Germany
- Legal implementation through the “Act on the Reorganization of the Law on the Placing on the Market, the Take-Back, and the Environmentally Sound Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment” and the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG).
- National registration authority: Stiftung EAR (Electrical Waste Equipment Register).
- Duties of manufacturers and importers: EAR registration, notifications of quantities placed on the market, labeling with crossed-out waste bin.
- Duties of retailers: old appliance take-back according to sales area size and regular offer of electrical and electronic equipment per year.
- Authorized representative arrangement: appointment of an authorized representative established in Germany. New: Representatives handling manufacturers with more than 20 active registrations must be accredited by Stiftung EAR.
- Costs: according to the “Fee Ordinance for Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act” and since 2023 quarterly fee of about 25 EUR.
- Take-back and disposal: B2C devices with legal task allocation (manufacturer/öRE). After transfer at municipal handover point, the manufacturer takes over electronic waste disposal at their own expense.
- Obligated external parties: operational disposal by third parties (disposers).
- Special features: no small quantity regulation and since 2023 expanded due diligence obligations of electronic marketplaces and fulfillment service providers.
Electronic Waste Disposal in France
- Legal implementation through Regulation No. 2014-928 and the amendment of the Environmental Code Article R. 543-172 ff.
- National registration authority: ADEME.
- Duties of manufacturers and importers: registration obligation, take-back obligation, electronic waste recycling and disposal for companies, and establishment of a prevention plan.
- Duties of retailers: take-back obligation starting at 400 m2 1:1, up to 400 m2 1:0.
- Authorized representative arrangement: obligation of a representative for all EU companies without establishment in France.
- Costs: no registration fees, but fees for placing on the market depending on the cost structure of the three approved manufacturer associations.
- Take-back and disposal: joining one of the three approved manufacturer associations ecosystem, Ecologic, or soren.
- Obligated external parties: representatives for taking over obligations from electronic waste disposal directives.
- Special features: labeling with crossed-out waste bin, application of the Triman logo with sorting instructions, listing in the repairability index for specific product groups, and indication of disposal fees.
Electronic Waste Disposal in Italy
- Legal implementation through D.Lgs 49/2014 – Implementation of EU Directive 2012/19/EU and D.Lgs. 118/2020 RAEE e pile – Implementation “Pacchetto economia circolare”.
- National registration authority: Registro Nazionale dei Produttori di Apparecchiature Elettriche ed Elettroniche.
- Duties of manufacturers and importers: registration obligation, financing obligation, ensuring electronic waste disposal, participation in a consortium, as well as labeling, information, and reporting obligations.
- Duties of retailers: take-back obligation 1:1 and 1:0, end-consumer communication about free return options, registration obligation at Albo Nazionale Gestori Ambientali.
- Authorized representative arrangement: registration through legal representative or consortium locally.
- Costs: 168 EUR one-time registration fee, annual consortium fees, disposal fees depending on category and consortium, and authorization costs.
- Take-back and disposal: retailers’ 1:1 and 1:0 take-back for electronic waste disposal according to directives.
- Obligated external parties: only authorization possible.
- Representatives for taking over obligations from electronic waste disposal directives.
Meeting WEEE Compliance in Every Country with Deutsche Recycling GmbH
So you can focus on what matters: Deutsche Recycling GmbH assists you with electronic waste disposal through comprehensive WEEE full-service, ensuring consistent compliance with all WEEE directives in every country. With the highest expertise and years of experience, we alleviate significant burden on your company through meticulous compliance checks, tailored advice, and operational support in all aspects of product responsibility.
Why it’s crucial to fulfill WEEE compliance:
- Avoidance of fines or other legal consequences
- Ensures devices are disposed of or recycled in a manner that reduces environmental impact
- Resource conservation through recycling and reuse as a contribution to a sustainable economy
- Positive image by taking on environmental and social responsibility
- Meeting the basic requirements for market access in other countries
By utilizing our WEEE full-service for electronic waste disposal, you benefit from comprehensive support, allowing you to fully focus on your core business while we ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements. With Deutsche Recycling GmbH by your side, you can minimize administrative burdens, optimize costs, and simultaneously ensure your legal compliance.
