WHEN they finally come in next year, the Government's new hazardous waste regulations for electrical equipment will have a major impact on the business world.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, which has been twice delayed but will finally come into force next June, is part of the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations.

Under the new rules, part of a European waste regulation initiative, a new list of hazardous materials has been compiled, including televisions, mobile phones, computer monitors, fluorescent lights, toasters, dishwashers and some paints and batteries.

The rules will not allow such items to be tipped into normal landfill sites, but must instead go to specialist sites for hazardous waste or be recycled.

Businesses that sell or manufacture electrical equipment will also have to make arrangements for their products to be recycled at the end of their life. Companies will be required to cover the extra cost of collecting and disposing of used electrical goods in an environmentally-friendly manner.

For most, the new rules will create extra work and expense. But the Environmental Industries Federation (EIF) in the North-East believes they also offer great commercial opportunities for some companies.

The EIF, a trade body representing the region's environmental sector, believes the waste and recycling industry will benefit because councils will have to change the way they dispose of old electrical appliances.

Joanne Bennison, of the EIF, said the organisation had conducted a survey that showed that the environmental sector was ready to take advantage of the changes.

She said: "We are fortunate in the region to have such a strong waste and recycling sector, so for North-East councils many of the solutions are on their doorstep. The sector is ready and willing to help." The Government has delayed implementation of the new rules and earlier this summer, the Department of Trade and Industry announced its second delay, from January next year to June.

According to the employers' organisation, the CBI, the delay is needed to ensure that businesses have a clearer understanding of the impact of the new regulations.

John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: "The time gained must now be used to get proper clarity in the regulations, and to ensure that all parties - manufacturers, retailers, the Environment Agency and local authorities - have sufficient notice of them to prepare. Only then can the environmental objectives of the directive actually be met."

Published: 20/09/2005