Study on WEEE recovery targets, preparation for re-use targets and on the method for calculation of the recovery targets : final report

Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment entered into force on 13 August 2012 introducing inter alia new recovery and recycling & preparation for re-use targets as well as six 'collection-oriented' WEEE categories ('EU6'), which shall replace the former ten 'product-oriented' categories ('EU10) from 2018 on. Considering the changes in legislation, the new WEEE Directive in its Article 11(6) asks the Commission to present a report specifically on: 1) the re-examination of the recovery targets referred to in Annex V, Part 3; 2) the examination of the possibility of setting separate targets for WEEE to be prepared for re-use; and on 3) the re-examination of the calculation method referred to in Article 11(2) with a view to analysing the feasibility of setting targets on the basis of products and materials resulting (output) from the recovery, recycling and preparation for re-use processes. This study supports the Commission in meeting the requirements of Article 11(6). Results of this study showed that the new recovery targets to be applied from 2018 onwards (based on EU6) maintain a similar level of ambition compared to the ones introduced from 2015 onwards (based on EU10). Additionally, an implementation of separate re-use/preparation for re-use targets faces several difficulties but re-use/ preparation for re-use generally should be promoted due to its overall benefits. Finally, output-/material-based targets are not yet recommendable due to an only limited database for assessing the feasibility of such targets accompanied by only limited benefits compared to a further enforcement of selective treatment and increasing collection rates. In summary, no review of the new WEEE Directive is proposed by the project team but alternative recommendations are presented.