WEEE (Waste and Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

The amount of electrical and electronic waste has steadily increased. In Germany alone, around two million tons are produced annually. On February 13th, 2003, two EU Directives came into force to tackle this problem. The WEEE Directive 2002/96/ EC requires the return and disposal of electrical and electronic waste while the Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS) restricts the use of certain hazardous substances. In Germany, both Directives have been implemented into the ElektroG (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act). German manufacturers and importers are obliged to take back and dispose of electrical and electronic waste free of charge. This will come into effect on March 24, 2006

Which waste categories fall within the ElektroG - WEEE?
• Large domestic appliances
• Small domestic appliances
• IT and telecommunication equipment
• Consumer equipment
• Lighting equipment
• Electrical and electronic tools
• Toys, leisure and sports equipment
• Medical devices
• Monitoring and control instruments
• Automatic dispensers

Purpose of the ElektroG - WEEE: To reduce waste arising from electrical and electronic equipment, restore the environmental impact as well as to preserve raw materials.


The manufacturers are now resposible for their products and must guarantee an environmentally-friendly disposal of electrical and electronic waste, The producers are responsible for the disposal costs, therefore, a reduction in these costs is already a priority during the development stages of electrical and electronic devices. An increase in quality and lifespan as well as a good dismantling and high recycling component rate contribute to a general reduction in disposal costs.

Each manufacturer must register with EAR (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste Register) and include amounts before electrical and electronic devices can be distributed within the German market. This came into force on November 23, 2005. Other responsibilities include:
• Easily identifiable labelling
• Provide a solvency guarantee to the competent authority
• Verify and organise disposal of waste