Resource Recovery Forum launches two new R&D projects

The UK Resource Recovery Forum has agreed to support two new studies
to help provide data on aspects of sustainable waste management.

Protocols for measuring recycling of WEEE

The Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires
end-of-life equipment to be collected for recovery, recycling and
re-use. The proposal has been adopted by the European Commission and is
expected to become law during 2002, with implementation in EU Member
States expected 18 months after (2004). Whilst there is continual
debate about many of the issues surrounding the implementation of the
Directive, there are still several grey areas that require further
investigation if the fundamentals of the legislation are to be
achieved. Some of the key questions remain unanswered:

how can one measure the output of WEEE recycling?
what recycling is being achieved to date in the UK?
what progress is being made in the recycling of the different categories of WEEE?
is the UK going to achieve the targets?
Funded by landfill tax credit support from Cory
Environmental, consultants E4Environment will be seeking answers to
these questions with a view to making recommendations on the protocol
for measuring the output of the WEEE recycling. Experience with the
packaging legislation has already demonstrated the difficulties of
predicting whether one can achieve targets. By examining the current
status of recycling of WEEE and using experience of packaging
legislation, it is hoped to can get a better understanding of the
systems that will be needed and be prepared in good time for
implementation of the legislation in 2004. To this end the study will
provide invaluable background information, which will help government
and producers (manufacturers and retailers) to achieve their
obligations under the Directive.

Waste by water

The Forum has agreed to support a feasibility study
proposed by consultants Marine Data International in Hampshire to
assess the feasibility of moving waste and recyclables by several local
waterways, based on the following criteria:

hours of tidal access
water depth through tide range
channel width & topography
suitability of loading points
environmental analysis
suitable vessel types
The RRF will fund this project, with a contribution from
Hampshire County Council. It is expected that the feasibility study
will generate data and conclusions which will be relevant to many other
circumstances beyond Hampshire