Jan 31, 2012 9:28 AM
Photovoltaic modules now included under WEEE2
Included under category four of the revised WEEE directive (Consumer Equipment and Photovoltaic Panels), photovoltaic (PV) modules now have collection and recycling obligations placed upon them.
WEEE2 sets out tough targets with an 85% collection rate for all end-of-life PV modules within the EU. 80% of this must then be recycled. The PV modules must be collected separately and it is recommended that they be recycled separately as well.
Although voted through by the European Parliament, the specifics of WEEE2 can still be influenced and industry has spoken up.
The secretary general of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), Reinhold Buttgereit, said of the changes "In order to reflect the very long lifetime of PV panels and the recent appearance of PV markets in Europe, an individual collection target for PV panels should be based on the quantities of end-of-life PV panels available." He added, "The PV industry is ready to support the European Commission in establishing the methodology for a waste-generated approach."
The EPIA and PV Cycle association have also released a joint statement saying, "European policymakers to use the possibility foreseen in the Directive to set an individual collection target for PV panels." They add that it is "crucial to avoid an excessive variety of implementing measures at national level, which could jeopardise results achieved so far".
Source: PV magazine
Do you work with PV modules? What do you think of the suggested collection and recycling targets? Are they achievable or not?
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