Greens Hail Landmark Euro 'White Goods' Recycling Law
Wed., April 10, 2002. 00:00.
The European Parliament has today adopted by a large majority a landmark report on the so-called 'Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment' directive, which will make producers responsible for disposal and recycling of discarded goods [1].
Scottish Green MSP Robin Harper said:
'I hope the Scottish Executive will be more serious about putting this law into effect than the recent Euro directive on fridge recycling. Their apparent indifference and ignorance has caused a crisis as mountains of old fridges pile up at council depots because no recycling facilities are in place.
'This law is a real milestone in environmental legislation, which finally addresses the problem of the ever growing quantities of discarded electronic and electrical goods that are being dumped in landfill sites.
'The white-goods law is very significant because it is based on the green 'polluter pays' principle, where those manufacturing a product are responsible for its ultimate recycling or disposal. This gives manufacturers a huge incentive to design more environmentally friendly products, which are then cheaper to recycle or dispose of.
'Interestingly, today's success is due to an unusual alliance between Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament and progressive manufacturers from Northern Europe, who recognised the advantages of a green product design for their business and subsequently lobbied for this directive.'
NOTE TO EDITORS:
- After negotiation on the detail of the Directive between the European Parliament, Council and Commission (which must be completed within three working months), the Directive could enter into force as early as 2006.
CONTACT:
Steve Burgess 0131 348 5955 or 07887 682 574
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Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.