Time to change from a “hazard” to a “risk” approach to recycling in Europe

Challenges and innovation in WEEE recycling within Europe formed the core of a guest presentation to the BIR E-Scrap Committee meeting in Budapest on October 14.

In terms of challenges, Chris Slijkhuis of Austria’s Müller-Guttenbrunn Group (MGG) highlighted material losses through illegal scavenging, collections and exports. In addition, the linking of EU waste and chemicals legislation “can make our life very difficult” when it comes to, for example, brominated flame retardants, he said.