WEEE, Batteries and Packaging EPR in New Zealand
On 29th July 2020 the Associate Minister for the Environment released a declaration of priority products notice 2020. This new schedule lists priority products to be considered under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.
Within this list fall the following products:
Electrical and Electronic Products
- categories of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) defined in Annex II of European Directive 2012/19/EU
- rechargeable batteries designed for use in electric or hybrid electric vehicles or household-scale and industrial renewable energy power systems, including but not limited to, lithium-ion batteries
- other re-chargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, including lead-acid batteries used in vehicles or stationary power systems
Plastic Packaging
All packaging used for consumer goods at retail or wholesale level made of plastic resin codes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, singly or in combination with one or more of these plastics or any non-plastic material, and not refilled by the producer for retail sale or able to be refilled by the consumer at a retail establishment.
Other priority products include tyres, agrichemicals and their containers, refrigerants and farm plastics.
What does this declaration mean?
As soon as is practicable after a product is declared a priority product under the Waste Minimisation Act, a product stewardship scheme for that product must be established and accredited. It could be the case that the sale of a priority product may be prohibited except in accordance with an accredited scheme. This would set a mandatory requirement for producers to join an accredited scheme and reduce the number of free-riders.
What’s next?
Before any new regulations are passed, the Ministry for the Environment will consult with those who may be affected by the regulations. This includes manufacturers and brand owners who sell their product in New Zealand and any scheme managers who have an existing accredited product stewardship scheme for the same product.
How can we help you?
Sphera EC4P provides a worldwide EPR regulation monitoring and update service. We will monitor the development of new regulations related to these priority products and notify you when they come into force. We can assess whether you will be obligated under these regulations and implement compliance arrangements on your behalf where required. Contact us to find out more.