EC attacks electronic waste law ‘failure’

THE Government has been criticised by the European Commission over its failure to enact legislation to tackle the growing problem of electronic waste.

Outgoing EU Environment Commissioner, Margot Wallstrom has expressed disappointment that Ireland missed last week’s deadline to transpose two important EU directives into national legislation.

The directives are designed to ensure old electric and electronic products are recycled and reused rather than dumped or incinerated. The legislation will apply to such goods as washing machines, freezers, television sets, computers and mobile phones.