The Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA) is pleased to announce its membership in the WEEE Forum, a globally unique platform for facilitating knowledge and best practice exchange between organizations involved in the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (“WEEE” for short). The WEEE Forum is a not-for-profit association made up of 50 WEEE producer responsibility organizations from 33 countries and six continents. Together with the Forum, CESA is committed to driving positive change, fostering innovation, and promoting a sustainable future where the circular economy is at the forefront of electronic waste management practices.
WEEE Forum reaches landmark of 50 members as it works to improve e-waste management
[Brussels, 11 May 2023]
The WEEE Forum continues to expand its membership across the world and has recently announced reaching the landmark of 50 members spread over 33 countries on six continents. In its mission to facilitate taking on the worldwide societal challenge of electronic waste through projects, alliances and the exchange of best practices among organizations across the WEEE value chain, this significant step illustrates the global influence of the know-how the WEEE Forum embodies.
E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, expected to exceed 74 million tonnes (Mt) globally in 2030, according to the UN. Tackling this challenge requires an #allactors approach centered on co-operation. An increasing number of countries are adopting or implementing e-waste specific legislation based on the extended producer responsibility (EPR) principle. This results in a growing number of EPR schemes and expands the WEEE Forum’s knowledge base with new Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) joining from all around the globe and bringing their local experience.
Pascal Leroy, Director General of the WEEE Forum, says: “We are very pleased to see PROs from more and more countries tapping into the knowledge and know-how of their peers. Europe leads the way in e-waste collection with 54% of it being formally reported as properly recycled, but we also see many innovative approaches in emerging economies and are proud to serve as a platform to exchange best practice with new members to ensure the e-waste issue is tackled properly across the world”.
Actors across the WEEE value chain are continually seeking the best ways for implementing legislation, increasing e-waste collection rates, motivating consumers to return their broken electricals or connecting with relevant policy makers. Simplifying this process, thanks to its toolbox of online platforms, working groups and EU funded projects focusing on different facets of the e-waste issue, the WEEE Forum serves as a hub to develop and share the best practice that has been applied across the world. Engaging with global stakeholders, the WEEE Forum encourages open communication among its members to accelerate the transition to net-zero.
Joining the conversation this year are four not-for-profit producer responsibility organizations from Canada, South Africa and Slovakia.
Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA) leads the industry members whose products are stipulated in the regulations. By operating as a single organisation, CESA allows for an efficient approach to recycling, keeping fees low and making it easier for consumers to return their electricals for recycling.
Circular Energy is based in South Africa aiming to continually contribute to green and clean systems through industry best practices and international standards.
GoRecycle is represents over 170 members, mainly retailers, distributors and manufacturers affected by the EPR regulation in the region of Québec, Canada.
Envidom is an association composed of the ten largest producers/importers of electrical and electronic equipment in Slovakia.
