WEEE - How to introduce a system of eco-modulation of producers financial obligations under revised WEEE Regulations

Aim

Research to explore how a system of "eco-modulation" of producers' financial obligations could be successfully designed and implemented in the UK to the new Waste Electricals and Electronic Equipment) WEEE regulatory system. Eco modulation of Extended Producer Responsibility EPR) obligations is viewed as important to foster waste prevention and circular economy for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE).

Eco modulation within an EPR scheme

Encouraging eco-design and a whole lifecycle approach to design of products is a key part of achieving a more resource efficient and circular economy where products are built to be more durable, repairable, and recyclable and thus able to be kept in use for longer. Reducing electronic waste can help cut carbon emissions and other environmental impacts, for example on nature through extractive processes, as well as helping to safeguard critical stocks of the Earth's natural resources. The resource extraction for, and manufacturing of, electronic products such as mobile phones contribute to more than 50% of their total lifetime CO2 emissions.

In the UK, we have eco-design legislation in place to ensure that energy-related products are designed to meet certain minimum energy and resource efficiency criteria. Several new Eco-design regulations have come into force in 2021, collectively known as the 'November Package'. These include measures relating to resource efficiency such as availability of spare parts and information for repairers, signalling the direction of travel for future eco-design regulations. Following 1 January 2021, BEIS has taken on responsibility for determining the policy agenda for energy-related products including Eco-design with Defra's support on resource efficiency. As announced in the Prime Minister's Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolutions an energy-related products policy framework will be published this year which will set out how government will push products to use less energy, resources, and materials, saving carbon and helping households and businesses to reduce their energy bills with minimum effort.

The November Package includes horizontal measures relating to the provision of access to spare parts and repair and maintenance information across several product groups including white goods, such as washing machines and fridges, and display equipment.

Eco-modulation of fees is one approach that can be used in EPR regimes to support better eco-design of products. Under a modulated fee approach, the fees paid by the producer will vary according to specific criteria relating to aspects of their products' environmental performance. The fundamental principle is that the more 'environmentally-friendly' products are charged at a lower rate than those that are less 'environmentally friendly' to incentivise eco-design.

Eco modulation is intended to incentive Design for Environment (DfE) and reduce End-of-Life (EoL) costs.