WEEE reuse and recycling
16.4.2014
Question for written answer E-004929-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Syed Kamall (ECR)
I have been contacted by a constituent who is part of a Freecycle recycling and reuse group and who would like to see an increase in the reuse, rather than disposal, of electrical and electronic devices.
My constituent is concerned that manufacturers are forcing consumers to buy newer products and discouraging them from recycling and reusing ‘obsolete’ devices. He tells me that this includes creating new battery packs for newer devices which are often incompatible with older models, even though he believes that the contents of the new battery packs are exactly the same as the older ones.
My constituent would like to see measures to tackle the manufacturing and import of any new generation of devices in the EU that are incompatible with the older models for the sole purpose of preventing reuse and shortening the life of older devices.
Given my constituent’s concerns and the fact that protecting the environment by maximising recycling and minimising landfill is such an important aspect, could the Commission confirm:
- 1.if it is in discussion with manufacturers to reduce product obsolescence and to improve backward compatibility when newer models are introduced?
- 2.if it has any plans to introduce proposals or requirements to tackle needless product obsolescence and to encourage reuse of older products?
OJ C 405, 14/11/2014