Computer Aid believes that the European Commission’s proposed target of collecting 65 percent of electrical and electronic equipment put on the market should be at least 85 percent of all WEEE arising.
Next month, the European Parliament will vote on a revision to the Directive, but according to Computer Aid, the proposed revisions “do not go nearly far enough to mitigate the enormous health and environmental risks posed by e-waste”.
The revision, designed to address current shortcomings and loopholes, is set to include the introduction of a higher collection target and a separate reuse target.
According to Computer Aid, numerous Member States (such as Sweden, Belgium and Denmark, which treat over eight kilograms per inhabitant) are already reaching the current annual target of four kilograms of WEEE per person.
The charity’s report, “WEEE Directive Ver. 2.0 – What Europe Must Do” highlights the Directive’s proposed five percent reuse target as “particularly inadequate”.
At least three quarters of computers sent to Computer Aid for recovery are fit for reuse, and the charity is adamant that the recast Directive should set computer reuse targets of 75 percent.
It added: “As much as 80 percent of the energy used by a computer across its working life is expended during manufacture, so it is irresponsible to simply recycle equipment before it’s reached its true end of life.”
The special report identifies six key areas for reform:
• Streamline administration and clarify the Directive’s scope to include all WEEE
• Reduce waste generation in the first place through eco-design – use less toxics and improve recoverability, with producers individually responsible for collection and treatment of their own goods
• Collect more equipment for processing – set a higher target of at least 85 percent of WEEE arising
• Reuse more whole appliances – set distinct reuse targets and standards
• Recover more materials through better recycling – set higher targets and standards
• Increase policing and enforcement to end dumping and illegal trade in e-waste
Computer Aid aims to reduce poverty through “practical ICT solutions”. It also collects empty printer cartridges and used mobile phones.