As technology changes and develops at a quickening pace, society needs to face the challenges posed by the rapid increase in electronic and electrical waste. Electrical and electronic equipment includes household appliances such as refrigerators, computers, lighting apparatus, leisure equipment and

medical devices

According to a study carried out for the European Commission, electrical and electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the European Union with a growth rate of 3 to 5% per year. This is three times faster than for average waste. The European Union has, therefore, enacted directives that restrict the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment and also promote the collection and recycling of such equipment. The Directive on Electrical and Electronic Waste Equipment (WEEE) is also intended to improve product design to prevent the generation of electrical and electronic waste and to increase its potential for recovery and re-use.

The directive was transposed into Maltese law in 2007. The Malta Environmental and Planning Authority (Mepa) is currently proposing a plan for the implementation of the provisions of the WEEE Directive to ensure that the relevant EU obligations and targets are met.

Malta currently has two authorised WEEE Directive schemes. However, these schemes are not yet in operation since market operators, producers in particular, are claiming that it is unfair that they are obliged to pay for participating in the collection and treatment schemes as well as also having to pay the eco-contribution that is levied by government on specific waste streams. Mepa’s draft plan aims to address this potential double payment. Each producer would be required to apply annually with Mepa and provide information on the categories and the weight of electrical and electronic equipment that is placed on the market. The producer is also required to submit to Mepa the amount of electrical and electronic waste that is collected and treated.

The plan also proposes the revision of the 2004 Eco-Contribution Act to cover all electrical and electronic waste and ensure that the eco-contribution paid reflects the management of abandoned electrical and electronic waste. The providers that are members of one of the schemes will be exempt from the eco-contribution or will be entitled to an eco-refund.

A number of Mepa-authorised facilities have been set up for the receipt and management of electrical and electronic waste. Among these are five civic amenity sites where households can deliver both bulky household items as well as hazardous waste. The waste that is received, including electrical and electronic waste, is segregated, accumulated and removed at regular intervals for subsequent recovery and recycling, treatment and disposal. Vehicles entering the facilities as well as the waste delivered are inspected upon arrival. In Malta, there are several facilities that are currently permitted to accept and treat electrical and electronic waste.

The permits are strictly specific for these particular sites and allow only explicitly defined activities to be carried out. These facilities can dismantle electrical and electronic waste and export the components to licensed facilities abroad for further treatment.

Meusac is providing all interested stakeholders and the general public with the opportunity to learn more about the draft local plan for the implementation of the WEEE Directive and to express their views on what is being proposed by Mepa. A consultation session on the draft plan will be organised by Meusac at Dar l-Ewropa, Valletta, on Tuesday, 6 September at 10am. This will be followed by a seminar to be held in Gozo on Tuesday, 13 September at the Grand Hotel in Mġarr.

Interested participants are requested to register by email on [email protected] or by phoning on 2200-3300 and asking for Mr Brian Pace.

The draft plan will also be discussed by Meusac’s Core Group in September. The consultation period on the draft local plan for the implementation of the WEEE Directive is open till 31 October.

Mark De Martino is an Executive EU Policy and Legislation within Meusac