DTI probes IT waste

The government is asking firms to submit their views on a forthcoming law that will require organisations to ensure the safe disposal of computer products.

Although manufacturers will have overall responsibility for recycling electrical equipment, the legislation could also increase the workload for IT departments.

Research by recycling specialist Selway Moore found that more than half of firms plan to hand over responsibility for complying with the recycling laws to their IT departments. It is therefore likely that IT managers will have to manage recycling procedures and liaise with vendors to ensure old products are collected and disposed of appropriately.

The DTI consultation process aims to gather suggestions for how the EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive should be incorporated into UK law. Under the directive, firms will have to recycle old IT kit responsibly and with minimal damage to the environment, while vendors will need to set up safe disposal procedures. EU member states have until August 2004 to ensure compliance.

The legislation may lead to higher prices for IT equipment. Although the directive makes manufacturers responsible for financing the collection and environmentally sound disposal of equipment, it also allows them to make agreements with business customers to share the recycling costs.

The DTI is also considering a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment, along with an unlimited fine, for organisations failing to comply with the legislation.

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