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EPR Reference Database

Publication type: Report

An enhanced definition of EPR and the role of all actors

Abstract/summary

Numerous studies mapping the destination of WEEE and existing flows have allowed PROs to understand where the unreported WEEE may be going. However, the evidence presented in those studies lead to the conclusion that most undocumented WEEE flows will not be reported and cannot be robustly estimated unless all actors having access to the WEEE have reporting obligations. EPR means extended producer responsibility, not exclusive producer responsibility Currently there is a clear discrepancy between the competences and the responsibilities allocated to the actors involved in the WEEE value chain. In practice, many Member States have appointed PROs and producers as the only actors that can effectively contribute to the attainment of the targets. This situation did not take into account who is best placed to act or influence. It did not account for the fact that PROs and producers do not have the levers to access all WEEE and actors outside of the formal WEEE system do, whilst access is needed to meet the targets. Moreover, some Member States have imposed penalties on PROs for not attaining the targets. Targets for PROs need to be based on the WEEE that is available for collection to them. One of the key principles of WEEE legislation must be that all actors that can influence collection rates should hold responsibility, based on their actual means of leverage and their access to a significant proportion of all WEEE Generated (WG). An All Actors Approach is the natural evolution of 17 years of operation of the WEEE system. Member States using this approach tend to have better collection rates, yet it cannot be seen as an absolute guarantee for reaching collection targets. A constructive assessment into how realistic the collection targets are is required now, considering 17 years of implementation and the changing nature of electrical and electronic equipment coming onto the market. This document provides insights in what is required to update the policy principles. The new policy approach as outlined in this paper will result in higher tonnages of reported collection and responsible recycling of WEEE. The fundamentals of the new policy approach consist of: • The All Actors Approach. • The revision of the EPR principle using the WEEE Available for Collection concept. • Adoption of a range of supporting measures to properly report and recycle WEEE. • A revision of the collection target calculation methods.

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Author(s)
Individual author information unavailable
Year
2020
Publisher
WEEE Forum
Authors’ organization
WEEE Forum
Number of pages
52
URL
https://weee-forum.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EPR-and-the-role-of-all-actors_final.pdf
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