Abstract
The significance of the Small Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling Act lies firstly in the fact that this Act adds a new purpose to laws regarding 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), by aiming to not only reduce environmental load but also to advance the effective use of resources. Secondly, it is significant in that the Act pursues the promotion of recycling by respecting the voluntary actions of stakeholders.
Because of the second point whether the system under this Act is going to succeed or not depends on the actions of the stakeholders, i.e. local communities, approved operators and retailers. There are two important points linked to the success of this system. The first point is assuring that the approved operators do not become unprofitable and that local communities do not become overburdened. The second point is guaranteeing that the system will continue for a certain period even in the event that approved operators are not seeing profits due to changing market conditions.
Certain issues still remain unresolved : Will a voluntary action system be as effective as the mandatory system, which burdens certain stakeholders? Will the effects of the system be adequate to make it work even if the voluntary action system is not fully effective? These issues will be discussed and resolved in five years when the Bill is reviewed.
