Norway Launches Action to Inspect Electronics Recycling by Product Dealers

摘要

In cooperation with the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT), Norway's 18 regional authorities have begun a series of nationwide inspections targeting hundreds of electric and electronic product dealers. The inspections, which will continue through September, will establish whether rules regarding the safe return and disposal of electric and electronic waste are being followed and whether adequate disposal information is being provided to customers. An SFT spokesman told BNA Sept. 9 that noncompliance could result in fines or prosecution. The new inspections follow a 2007 SFT survey into public awareness of the nation's rules on electric and electronic waste. While consumers are aware of nationwide recycling systems for large electric and electronic waste such as fridges and cookers, the survey found that many are not aware that similar rules apply to smaller products such as mobile phones and laptop computers, which may contain mercury, lead, cadmium and other potentially hazardous substances. According to an SFT statement issued Sept. 8, the new inspections will focus on dealers of such smaller electric and electronic products. The inspections will also ascertain whether electric and electronic waste is being stored separate from other waste and if storage presents a pollution or health risk. In addition, the inspectors will check whether storage methods reduce the possibility that components can be recycled.