Albion Environmental deliver substantial report into the "Capability for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling in Scotland"
Background
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive came into force in February of 2003. The Directive was due to be implemented in the UK by August 2004. However, implementation has been delayed. At the time of this report, the latest implementation date given by DTI and DEFRA was January 2006.
The Brief
The Scottish Executive asked Scottish Enterprise to produce an Invitation to Tender covering the current WEEE recycling capability in Scotland and to examine the potential for creating a strong recycling sector in Scotland to support the implementation of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
Our Research
A detailed examination was undertaken into the current conditions and likely trends including:-
- Plant capacity
- Management skills
- Environmental legislation
- Financial feasibility
- Competition
Implementation
In order to gain maximum benefit from implementation of WEEE Directive a number of important factors were identified. These factors were agreed with Scottish Executive who incorporated them into the WEEE consultation process. Key issues identified were:-
- Lack of Plant capacity
- Financial viability
- Environmental legislation
- International exports
- Competitive pressure
- Supply chain
- Distribution chain
- Partnership opportunities
Results
Scottish Executive incorporated the report outcome into WEEE consultation process. The report identified large scale opportunities for companies in the sector to work together to achieve WEEE Directive targets. Collection and treatment focuses on achieving collection targets of 4 kg per person per year for domestic appliances and all commercial appliances. This target was achieved prior to Directive being implemented in the UK.