On 14 June 2018, the Official Journal of the European Union published the EU Waste legislative package. This revises the Waste Framework Directive, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, the Waste Batteries directive and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.
EucoLight, the European Association of lighting WEEE Compliance schemes warmly welcomes the EU publication of the package. In particular, EucoLight wholeheartedly supports the inclusion of minimum requirements for Extended Produced Responsibility (EPR), which it has been advocating throughout all the legislative process. EucoLight considers that robust EPR requirements are vital for a successful transition to the Circular Economy. Making them legally binding guarantees the best functioning of EPR schemes.
The commitment to improving transparency on financial matters and governance and operation of EPR organisations is appreciated, along with the recognition of EPR as a ‘shared responsibility’ for all actors involved, including distributors and waste producers. Marc Guiraud, EucoLight Secretary General, commented ‘EucoLight’s 19 members consider that these measures constitute an important step forward in establishing a fair and level playing field amongst EPR schemes. The inclusion of the need to develop a monitoring and enforcement framework to ensure that distance sellers comply with their EPR obligations is particularly significant, given the growth in online non-compliance detected by the members.’
