Fact Sheets and Case Studies:

European Union Electrical and Electronic Products Directives
(4 pages, PDF format) This fact sheet provides an overview of the European Union's Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE Directive) and the Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS Directive).

WEEE and RoHS Directives: Highlights and Analysis
(3 pages, PDF format) This fact sheet examines some of the key components and outstanding issues of the WEEE and RoHS Directives, including implementation dates, the distinction between individual and collective responsibility, and potential global impacts.

Impact of the RoHS Directive on Electronic Products Sold in the US
(4 pages, PDF format) This fact sheet addresses the impact of the European Union's RoHS directive on the design of consumer electronic products sold in the US, especially TVs and computers.

The Basel Convention and its Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative (MPPI)
(2 pages, PDF format) This fact sheet describes a partnership between the Basel Convention secretariat and the world's leading cell phone manufacturers that aims to create innovative approaches to the end-of-life management of cell phones.

Electric Appliance Recycling in Japan
(3 pages, PDF format) This fact sheet describes the requirements, implementation, and financing of the Japanese law requiring manufacturers to collect and recycle their own appliances.

PC Recycling in Japan
(2 pages, PDF format) This fact sheet describes the requirements, implementation, and financing of the Japanese law requiring manufacturers to collect and recycle the personal computers they produce.

What Are Rechargeable Batteries? (1998)
(1 page, text format; select first page only) This fact sheet provides a basic explanation of rechargeable batteries, their uses, environmental impacts, and disposal.

For information about rechargeable battery recycling, contact the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation:

Case Study: Industry Program to Collect Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries (1997)
This report looks at one example of extended producer responsibility in the US-- the national program launched by the manufacturers of nickel-cadmium batteries and the products that contain them to collect and recycle these batteries, at industry expense.