A lot of comments here are from people who haven't read or didn't understand the what and the why. There are different issues here.
They are separate but overlap.
All EU directives are created to tackle existing problems or anticipate future problems. They get revised and adjusted over time.
WEEE and RoHS were vital directives and it doesn't matter that the UK is not part of the EU. WEEE and RoHS are still very much applicable and will be transposed into UK law eventually.
WEEE (at least the draft I worked on back in the day) was designed to include the cost of recycling or safe disposal in the price of the device being bought.
It looks like there is an enforcement issue going on and the report clearly makes reference to illegal activities.
The subject of programmed obsolescence is something else entirely and is also on the table at EU level. In fact some EU countries already have legislation on that.
It is very likely that any EU directive on the subject of that or right to repair will also impact the UK.
What is sure is that WEEE and RoHS have already been revised and new revisions will, continue to be approved.
Apple takes back its products at Apple Stores and will even give a trade in on some products but AFAIK, it has no option but to take back those old products. When you purchase a new product, the retailer is required to manage the handling of the one being substituted.
Comments
A lot of comments here are from people who haven't read or didn't understand the what and the why. There are different issues here.
They are separate but overlap.
All EU directives are created to tackle existing problems or anticipate future problems. They get revised and adjusted over time.
WEEE and RoHS were vital directives and it doesn't matter that the UK is not part of the EU. WEEE and RoHS are still very much applicable and will be transposed into UK law eventually.
WEEE (at least the draft I worked on back in the day) was designed to include the cost of recycling or safe disposal in the price of the device being bought.
It looks like there is an enforcement issue going on and the report clearly makes reference to illegal activities.
The subject of programmed obsolescence is something else entirely and is also on the table at EU level. In fact some EU countries already have legislation on that.
It is very likely that any EU directive on the subject of that or right to repair will also impact the UK.
What is sure is that WEEE and RoHS have already been revised and new revisions will, continue to be approved.
Apple takes back its products at Apple Stores and will even give a trade in on some products but AFAIK, it has no option but to take back those old products. When you purchase a new product, the retailer is required to manage the handling of the one being substituted.