Review Article: Extended producer responsibility for packaging wastes and WEEE - a comparison of implementation and the role of local authorities across Europe

Abstract

A comparison of the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) to packaging waste and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is presented for a representative sample of eleven European Union countries based on five indicators: stakeholders and responsibilities; compliance mechanisms; role of local authorities; financing mechanisms and merits and limitations, with four countries selected for more detailed case study analysis. Similarities, trends and differences in national systems are highlighted with particular focus on the role of local authorities and their relationship with obligated producers and the effect on the operation and success of each system. The national systems vary considerably in design, in terms of influence of pre-existing policy and systems, methods of achieving producer compliance (multiple or single collective schemes), fee structures, targets, waste stream prioritization and local authority involvement. Differing approaches are evident across all member states with respect to the role played by local authorities, responsibility apportioned to them, and the evolution of working relationships between obligated producers and municipalities. On the whole, EPR for packaging and WEEE has been successfully implemented throughout Europe in terms of Directive targets. It is, however, clear that the EPR systems currently in application across Europe differ primarily due to contrasting opinion on the legitimacy of local authorities as stakeholders and, in some cases, a fear on the part of industry of associated costs. Where local authorities have been engaged in the design and implementation of national systems, existing infrastructure used and defined roles established for producers and local authorities, results have been significantly more positive than in the cases where local authorities have had limited engagement.

Applying value chain analysis to informal sector recycling: A case study of the Zabaleen

“…The concept has been pioneered in Europe, in order to transfer the responsibility (and the costs) of managing products which enter the municipal waste stream at the end of their life from local authorities back to the producers of those products (Cahill et al, 2011). There is much current interest in extending EPR also to developing countries Agrawal et al, 2015), including current work in Egypt to develop mechanisms and draft legislation.…”

E-waste Management as a Global Challenge (Introductory Chapter)

“…The EU promotes the Extended producer responsibility (EPR) which moves the responsibility of local authorities to EEE producers and importers regarding e-waste management and the achieving targets on collection,recycling, and recovery. The implementation of this policy has different results across the Europe [2]. However, large quantities of e-waste are legally or illegally exported from high-income countries to emerging economies and low-income countries, creating serious health and environmental threats in the latter case.…”

Review of material recovery from used electric and electronic equipment-alternative options for resource conservation

“…In many Member States, the producers are also responsible for the collection of e-waste. For a detailed description of the different implementations of the WEEE Directive the reader is referred to the publication of Cahill et al (2011). In Germany, EAR (Elektronik Altgeräte Register), a non-profit company is acting as an official body for the registration of devices brought on the market.…”