European Recycling Platform (ERP) has reached a significant milestone by collecting and treating more than 3 million tonnes of WEEE across Europe since its foundation in 2002. This number equals the amount of WEEE generated by the entire European Union in one year. The amount of WEEE continues to grow, not only in Europe but worldwide. To reduce the environmental harm of e-waste and save resources, a transition from a linear to a more circular economy is essential. This is why ERP welcomes the recent compromise between the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament, and the European Commission as a result of the trialogue negotiations on the Waste Package, as well as the Plastics Strategy published by the European Commission on 16th January 2018. Both are important steps to strengthening the European circular economy and to further increase the collection and recycling of important waste streams like WEEE, packaging, and batteries. “European Recycling Platform welcomes the EU initiatives to strengthen the principle of extended producer responsibility and to create competition in the waste market – said Umberto Raiteri, CEO of ERP . Treating 3 million tonnes of WEEE shows that ERP has contributed significantly to the EU circular economy and proves that extended producer responsibility in a competitive environment brings huge benefits for the environment at a reasonable cost to producers. It also promotes innovation, which leads to higher quality treatment (preventing the release of hazardous substances) and higher quality resources for the circular economy”.
