§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultations she has had, and with which organisations, on the(a) directive on the disposal of refrigerators and (b) draft directive on waste electronic electrical equipment. [69821]
§ Mr. MeacherThe regulation on substances that deplete the ozone layer sets requirements related to the recovery of CFCs and HCFCs contained in waste refrigerators. We consulted widely during the negotiations of the regulation. More recently we have continued to work closely with retailers, local authorities, the Environment Agency, the waste management industry and others to implement the regulation.
483WA formal DTI consultation on the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive was issued in summer 2000. Results were published in December 2000. Approximately 300 consultation documents were sent out. Government Departments are in regular contact with industry about the proposed WEEE directive and its implementation in the UK, and report back to industry on developments in the negotiations in Brussels as they happen. A series of meetings is currently being held with local authorities and with retailers to discuss the collection and recycling requirements of the WEEE directive and possible implementation methods. A series of events has been arranged by the Small Business Service to raise awareness in the regions and discuss the directive with all stakeholder groups. Officials will also be visiting several other member states to discuss implementation of the directive and to learn from those who already have legislation in this area.