What is the principle of the environmental tax applied to domestic electrical equipment?
The directive on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) integrates the principle of collecting and recycling end-of-life products when they’re ready for the scrap heap. All stakeholders in the process have a role to play, whether manufacturers, retailers, consumers or local authorities. The new tax in question is called the “visible fee.” Introduced on 15 November 2006 to finance the collection and recycling of end-of-life products, the fee is added to the selling price of new products. It is clearly marked (and will continue to be until 2011) so that consumers are aware of what they must pay for the recycling of a similar end-of-life appliance. It’s a set amount that varies from one product to another. The Eco-systèmes website (in French only) provides a wealth of information on the subject.
