EU Hopes New Laws Will Divert 75 Percent of E-Waste

Lynn Schenkman

Brussels – The European Union turned a proposal into law Wednesday. European manufacturers now are responsible for recycling their own products. Everything from computers to coffee pots will be affected, and industry leaders warn the extra expenses will have to be passed on to the consumer. But other leaders say they are relieved to be on a level playing field, having only to pay for their own waste and not that of other manufacturers. This legislation should affect American manufacturers if they choose to sell in Europe. The laws are expected to be in effect by September 2005.