Electrical goods face price hike for recycling

THE OIREACHTAS European Affairs Committee is to hold hearings on new recycling regulations for electrical goods which look set to add up to €50 to the cost of large appliances.

The regulations, which come into effect from August 13, will see an environmental management charge (EMC) added to the cost of all electrical goods from toasters to televisions. Money raised from producers of goods will then be used to collect and send old equipment for recycling abroad.

Despite concerns to the contrary, Enterprise Minister Dick Roche has argued that as the price of goods such as computers is falling, the charge could be included without adding to the retail price.