US threat to EC electronics recycling Directive

Parts of the US electronics industry reacted with dismay when the European Commission's Environment Directorate issued its proposals on recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) last year. The draft Directive included targets for collection, reuse and recycling, set minimum levels for the amount of recyclate to be used in products, and required a phase-out of harmful substances including heavy metals and halogenated flame retardants.