Rapid growth for Iceland’s recycling fund

Archiv – Revenues from Iceland’s ’unique’ producer responsibility fund launched in January 2003 are expected to double this year, according to figures in the 2004 budget approved by the country’s parliament.Revenues from Iceland’s ’unique’ producer responsibility fund launched in January 2003 are expected to double this year, according to figures in the 2004 budget approved by the country’s parliament.
The basis of the Icelandic recycling fund is an existing hazardous waste fund which has been in operation since 1997 and which imposes levies on a range of products, while the revenues are used to pay for environmentally sound disposal and recycling. The hazardous waste fund covered products that generate hazardous waste at the end of their lives such as batteries, organic solvents, refrigerators and oil. This generated revenues of some ‘‚¬ 1.5-2 million a year.
The hazardous waste fund has been incorporated into Iceland’s recycling fund, which encompasses additional charges on cars, car tyres, plastic wraps used in agriculture and hard-to-recycle dual material drinks containers. In the case of cars, the scheme also involves a deposit element whereby the final owner receives a payment when delivering his vehicle to an approved handler.
According to the budget figures, recycling fund revenues in 2003 are expected to have amounted to ‘‚¬ 4.5 million, rising to ‘‚¬ 8.5 million in 2004 as the full effects are felt of charges introduced during the year on cars and agricultural plastics.
The recycling fund will also play an important role in assisting Iceland’s implementation of EU legislation, such as the directives covering end-of-life vehicles, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and batteries.