Recent developments in waste electrical and electronics equipment legislation in China

Abstract

China has witnessed a rapid increase in waste electrical and electronics equipment (WEEE) in the recent years, but has not yet established corresponding recycling and disposal systems with appropriate administrative oversight. Consequently, most household waste appliances have neither been effectively recycled nor safely treated. However, efforts were made to improve the situations. Reviewing the history of China's legislation in this field since the 1990s, this paper affirms China's recent achievements in the last few years with commentary on several of the latest regulations and laws. Through the research on WEEE recycling chain and related laws, the authors first analyze the significant impact this legislation has imposed on manufacturing, recycling, treatment, and exportation/importation in China's household appliance industry. Secondly, the authors indicate various difficulties in the implementation of the newly made laws and regulations. Finally, the authors propose several practical suggestions with regard to promoting the implementation of these laws and regulations, based on the existing state conditions and the experience of other countries in the recycling industry, such as those of European countries, America, and Japan.