WEEE Forum reaches landmark of 50 members as it works to improve e-waste management
The WEEE Forum, an international association of Producer Responsibility Organisations, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and continues to expand its membership globally.
It has achieved a significant milestone of reaching 50 members across 33 countries on six continents.
By facilitating projects, alliances, and the exchange of best practices, the WEEE Forum is dedicated to addressing the global challenge of electronic waste throughout the WEEE value chain. This accomplishment highlights the global influence and expertise embodied by the WEEE Forum.
According to the UN, e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world and is projected to exceed 74 million tonnes (Mt) globally by 2030. To tackle this challenge effectively, a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders is necessary. More countries are adopting e-waste-specific legislation based on the extended producer responsibility (EPR) principle.
As a result, the number of EPR schemes and the WEEE Forum’s knowledge base are expanding as new Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) join from around the world, contributing their local experiences.
Pascal Leroy, Director General of the WEEE Forum, expresses satisfaction with the increasing participation of PROs from various countries, acknowledging Europe’s leadership in e-waste collection but also recognizing innovative approaches in emerging economies.
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The WEEE Forum serves as a platform for exchanging best practices among its members, ensuring that the global e-waste issue is effectively addressed.
Actors involved in the WEEE value chain continually seek optimal methods for implementing legislation, improving e-waste collection rates, encouraging consumers to return their faulty electricals, and engaging with relevant policymakers.
The WEEE Forum simplifies this process by offering online platforms, working groups, and EU-funded projects that focus on different aspects of the e-waste problem. It acts as a hub for developing and sharing best practices applied worldwide.
By engaging with global stakeholders, the WEEE Forum promotes open communication among its members, accelerating the transition to a net-zero future.
This year, four not-for-profit producer responsibility organisations have joined the WEEE Forum, representing Canada, South Africa, and Slovakia. The Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA) leads industry members whose products are regulated, enabling efficient recycling processes, low fees, and easy consumer returns. Circular Energy, based in South Africa, operates a compliance scheme for the storage, collection, treatment, and recovery of WEEE, batteries, and packaging, assisting its members in meeting their EPR obligations.
GoRecycle represents over 170 members, primarily retailers, distributors, and manufacturers affected by EPR regulations in Québec, Canada. Envidom, founded by the largest producers of white goods, represents over 290 producers/importers of electrical and electronic equipment in Slovakia, fulfilling their e-waste responsibilities.
