The European Electronics Recyclers Association (EERA) has raised concerns about the impending financial impact of the Basel Convention E-Waste Amendments, which will come into effect on January 1, 2025. According to EERA CEO Julie-Ann Adams, the amendments will significantly increase the costs associated with the compliant treatment of temperature exchange equipment (TEE), particularly refrigerator compressors, in Europe. These costs are expected to be passed on to TEE producers and compliance schemes.
Impact of Basel Amendments on Fridge Compressor Exports
Currently, many fridge compressors removed during TEE recycling are exported to Pakistan, where they are refurbished for reuse or manually dismantled for copper recovery. This export process, conducted under Basel Annex VII procedures, has been cost-effective for European recyclers due to higher material values in Pakistan compared to local metal recycling options in Europe. However, the new Basel amendments will require prior consent for overseas shipments of segregated e-waste, including fridge compressors, starting in 2025.
Under the revised regulations, exporters will be required to submit detailed environmental permits and treatment documentation for receiving facilities in the destination country. This will apply even to properly depolluted compressors, which remain classified as nonhazardous. However, Pakistan lacks licensed facilities that meet the new Basel requirements, meaning the current export route for European recyclers will no longer be available.
Shift to European Recycling Solutions and Increased Costs
As a result of these changes, European TEE recyclers must explore alternative recycling solutions within Europe, where material values are significantly lower than those achievable through export. The shift to local recycling options is expected to increase treatment costs, which will have to be reflected in updated contractual agreements with TEE producers and compliance schemes. EERA urges producers to prepare for these upcoming changes and to understand the financial implications of the new regulatory environment.
Julie-Ann Adams emphasized the importance of addressing these issues now to ensure a smooth transition. The association encourages TEE producers and compliance schemes to recognize the financial challenges posed by the Basel amendments and to plan accordingly for compliant treatment processes in Europe.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.