European end-of-life systems for electrical and electronic equipment

This paper provides an overview of current end-of-life systems in three Western European countries: Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. It is described how brown and white goods are collected and processed once they have reached the end of their life-cycle. Tables with qualitative information on collection and processing scenarios are provided, as well as with quantitative data on costs involved. Furthermore, the most recent developments in European and national legislation on producer responsibility and take-back obligation are addressed. The paper concludes with an outlook on the way that product end-of-life scenarios are likely to develop in the future