Developments in legislation and regulation

Question 1

Eco-label

Answer 1

• A voluntary scheme.
• Established in 1993.
• Manufacturers are encouraged to label products that have reduced impact on the environment in their lifetime.

Question 2

Packaging Directive

Answer 2

• Introduced in 1994.
• Sets targets for the reduction of packaging waste.
• Sets limits to the amount of toxic metals used in packaging.

Question 3

Energy Labelling Directive

Answer 3

• Introduced in 1996.
• All electrical appliances, e.g. fridges, washing machines, are labelled with a scale of A to G.
• Indicates energy usage.
• Aims to phase out inefficient appliances.

Question 4

End-of-life Vehicle Directive (ELVD)

Answer 4

• Introduced in 2003.
• Encourage the reuse and recycling of waste from vehicles when they reach end of life.
• Restricts the use of toxic metal in new cars.
• Requires manufacturers to label plastic parts to aid recycling.
• Manufacturers have to publish how to dismantle cars.

Question 5

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive)

Answer 5

• Implemented in 2006.
• Encourages manufacturers to develop products that can be dismantled and reused or recycled.
• Manufacturers have to include instructions to not discard old products but take them to WEEE collection points.
• Requires manufacturers to arrange a collection of WEEE.

Question 6

Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoSH)

Answer 6

• Introduced in 2006.
• Bans the use of some hazardous materials and chemicals, e.g. lead, mercury and cadmium, in electrical and electronic equipment.
• To safe guard human health when electrical equipment is being disposed of and recycled.

Question 7

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Answer 7

Regulation dealing with the safe handling, use and storage of hazardous materials.