What is RoHS/WEEE?

In 2003 legislation was introduced in the European Union (EU) to promote the collection, treatment, recycling, and recovery of waste from electrical and electronic equipment. This legislation is known as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) act and is formally dictated by directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament. A complimentary directive, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), was also introduced in 2003 given by 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament. Beginning July 1, 2006, RoHS legislation restricts the amounts of lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium (VI), Polybrominated Diphenylethers (PBDEs), and Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) in electronic and electrical equipment. These chemicals are known to present a risk to human health and the environment. Thus, restrictions are in place that limit the concentration of these constituents in electrical and electronic products and/or components.

(more…)