WRITTEN QUESTION E-2610/03 by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission. Charging consumers for returning waste household electrical equipment.
Date: 2003-08-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Ireland, consumer protection, deposit on a polluting product, electronic waste, tax on consumption, waste recycling

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/135

Dutch/German pilot project for the re-introduction of the Common Hamster in areas where it has recently
disappeared. The measures will be continuously monitored and reports will be made available to the
Commission.

The Commission considers the proposed compensation measures and species protection plan, together
with the German/Dutch re-introduction efforts, as being an effective package of measures to protect and
promote the Common Hamster in North Rhine Westphalia. The measures will compensate for the negative
impact of the new industrial area at the local level. As it appears unlikely that a continuation of the
infringement procedure would provide any added value for the conservation of
the Hamster the
Commission decided to close the procedure on 9 July 2003.

This decision was based on the specific circumstances of the case. It should not be understood as a
precedent allowing the circumvention of Article 12 and 16 of the Habitats Directive. The Commission
expects full compliance with these provisions in all other cases.

(1) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora,

OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2004/C 78 E/0137)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2610/03

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(28 August 2003)

Subject: Charging consumers for returning waste household electrical equipment

In its answer to Written Question E-1970/03 (1) given on 25 July 2003, the Commission acknowledged
that charging consumers at the point of return may have a negative impact on the collection results for
waste electrical and electronic equipment but
that such charges would not contravene Community
legislation until Article 5 (2a) of Directive 2002/96/EC (2) takes effect, i.e. by 13 August 2005 at the latest.

if so, what has been their
Has the Commission informed the Irish authorities of this situation and,
response? What steps is the Commission now considering taking so as to ensure that the Irish public will
be able to return such goods free of charge after 13 August 2005, in accordance with Directive 2002/96/
EC?

(1) See page 61.
(2) OJ L 37, 13.2.2003, p. 24.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(26 September 2003)

Directive 2002/96/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on waste from electrical
and electronic equipment (WEEE) requires Member States to ensure that, by 13 August 2005, systems are
set up allowing final holders and distributors to return WEEE from private households at least free of
charge.

The national laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive must
be brought into force by 13 August 2004 and communicated to the Commission.

The Commission has not discussed the issue of charging consumers with Ireland specifically. Regular
meetings between the Commission and the Member States take place in order to discuss questions of
implementation. The Commission will take all necessary measures to ensure that the Directive is correctly
implemented in all Member States.