The environmental proposals are just the latest example of the EU setting tough new technology policies that essentially impose restrictions on companies outside its jurisdiction. The Europeans adopted a directive a few years ago that imposed tough privacy protections on the exchange of data about European consumers.
EU officials and environmentalists argue that the two latest proposals, formally known as the directive on Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the directive on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RHS), are aimed at taking a comprehensive approach to the issue of electronic waste by addressing the problem at the beginning and end of a product's life cycle.
"There is a growing realisation of the build-up of waste from electronic products and the hazards they pose in terms of volume and substances," says Anders Jessen, counselor for transport, energy and environment at the EU's Washington delegation.
Under the proposals, as drafted by the EU's European Commission, producers of electronics would have to pay for the recovery - most likely at collection points, treatment and "environmentally sound disposal" of electronic waste.
The directives would cover a broad range of products used by consumers and businesses that may end up in dumps, including computers, printers, cell phones, television sets, refrigerators and lamps.
Industry officials say they do not oppose the EU legislation, but would like to make it more palatable.
"EIA and the industry we represent . . . is supportive of the broad objective of the WEEE," says McCurdy. Industry, he says, just wants to "make sure it's done thoughtfully."
EIA and others worry about how much financial responsibility manufacturers would have under the directive and about when their responsibility for the products begins. Industry representatives say it is not clear who is responsible for picking up old electronics from consumers, and they fear member states may impose different requirements.
HP's Isaacs and others argue that municipalities should take responsibility for collecting obsolete electronics because they have the infrastructure to do it.
