By David Reed, UT EditorLondon- The UK government has postponed the implementation date for the waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) Directive from January to June 2006, "in the light of the preparations needed for this legislation, which breaks new ground for many of those involved, and continuing concerns expressed by the business community and other stakeholders," according to a 10 Aug. statement from the Department of Trade and Industry.The directive covers a wide range of domestic products, from refrigerators to televisions, as well as computers and telecommunications equipment, audiovisual and lighting equipment, electrical and electronic tools, toys, leisure and sports equipment, medical devices and automatic dispensers.From June 2006, manufacturers and retailers will be responsible for the collection and recycling of the waste equipment, the announcement added. Producers will have to finance treatment and recycling/recovery of collected WEEE in the UK to specified standards and recycling/recovery targets. Retailers will have to offer take-back services to householders.The full implementation timetable is available at: www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability/weee/index.htm"
