The European Electronics Recyclers Association (EERA) has been founded by companies from across Europe, including UK-based Sims Group as well as MIREC BV, Stena Technoworld AB, Coolrec BV, Immark AG and R-plus GmBH.
The independent and non-commercial association will be involved in lobbying European and national governments over recycling legislation and specifically over the WEEE Directive, which requires the recycling and treatment of waste electronics in member states.
Norbert Zonneveld, executive secretary for EERA, told letsrecycle.com that WEEE recyclers are looking for consistency in the implementation of the WEEE Directive across all countries.
He said: “The EERA members operate in an international market for supply and demand. The recyclers are in favour of a European level-playing field for WEEE recycling. It is therefore important that the rules in the legislation of the EU Member States do not differ strongly and are in support of the creation of an international level-playing field.”
Issues
WEEE legislation issues that EERA is keen to address include rules for monitoring and reporting tonnage and recycling data for WEEE and cross border transportation issues, which have associated increased administrative burdens for recyclers
It also wants to address the requirements for the selective treatment for materials and components of WEEE, such as some of the obligations to remove certain items before shredding that recyclers view as costly and inefficient.
In addition to lobbying governments, EERA will be working on concerns of common interest with other trade associations in sectors such as the electrical equipment manufacturers.
EERA is now inviting applications for membership from companies that treat and process WEEE. Although the founder members have relatively large-scale operations, Mr Zonneveld said there are no size limits and membership is open for all European companies that treat and process WEEE in Europe.
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