The Senior Defra Official Melanie Foster has explained that the UK regulations on the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment could remain with 14 categories but have protocols to produce six categories.

The changes would be required under the looming European Union Open Scope system. The new system which comes into force in January 2019, may also see producers of electrical products paying more towards recycling. Ms Foster posed the question “What does EU exit mean for WEEE regulations?” She explained that Open Scope will “come into force from 1 January 2019 as currently drafted”. There will be a move to six categories and “it is not easy to convert 14 categories into six – this could have a significant impact on the amount producers could have to pay”. She added: “We don’t know what the costs will be but there will be significant losers and winners.”

She further went on to tell the audience audience that there were four main options for implementing Open Scope. One would be to keep the status quo by amending the current UK position; a second was to let the regulations take effect as written. A third, which is the preferred option, was to amend the UK regulations to retain 14 categories but to be able to report to the EU, if necessary, under six categories although protocols would be need to allow this.

A fourth option could be to have six categories but using three sub categories. A consultation will take place in September with a consultation response and regulations in April 2018.

The Defra official stressed that the department wanted to hear the views of those in the industry and those that would be subsequently affected. On other areas of the WEEE systems, such as the Producer Balancing System, Defra would welcome views from local authorities. She later explained that Defra will “be looking to amend the regulations, before the UK leaves the EU, over Open Scope. After that we will look to amend and improve them.”