Wallonia: electronic waste management and extended producer responsibility

The Walloon Government adopted, on July 16, 2026, a decree relating to the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and framing extended producer responsibility (EPR). This text, referenced [C − 2026/006602], is published in the Belgian Official Gazette of September 15, 2026, page 50026, and signed in Namur by the Minister-President A. Dolimont and the Minister of Health, Environment, Solidarity and Social Economy Y. Coppieters.

The decree partially transposes Directive 2012/19/EU on WEEE, as amended by Directive (EU) 2024/884, and falls within the framework of the decree of March 9, 2023, relating to waste, material circularity, and public cleanliness (the “Waste” decree). It aims to protect the environment and human health through the prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), while holding the sectors responsible for waste production accountable.

Selective Collection and Mandatory Take-back

All WEEE is subject to selective collection and cannot be mixed with other waste. Households can dispose of it free of charge at recycling centers, through the retailer or distributor, or via a social economy enterprise. The incineration and landfilling of selectively collected but untreated WEEE are prohibited.

• The retailer or distributor takes back free of charge, on a “one-for-one” basis, any WEEE of domestic origin of an equivalent type.
• Stores with EEE sales areas of at least 400 m² must take back very small WEEE free of charge, without a purchase obligation.
• The collection of WEEE in educational establishments is prohibited.
• Photovoltaic panel waste must be dismantled into distinct fractions (cables, aluminum frame, glass).

Extended Producer Responsibility

The EPR regime applies to WEEE of domestic and industrial origin resulting from new EEE placed on the market. The producer may fulfill their obligations themselves or join an approved organization. From the entry into force of the decree, a nine-month period applies for the submission of applications for the approval of an individual strategic plan or accreditation.

• The producer finances the collection, treatment, recovery, and environmentally sound disposal of WEEE.
• They provide a financial guarantee equal to three-quarters of the annual average of their costs over the last three years.
• The environmental contribution must be visible on invoices and specified at the point of sale to the final consumer.
• The producer guarantees the consumer access to a repair service and conducts a study on repair and reuse every five years.
• Online marketplace operators must verify the registration of producers selling remotely.

Quantified collection and recycling targets

The decree sets minimum collection and recovery targets, calculated based on the weight of WEEE collected in the Walloon Region.

• Minimum collection rate of 4 kg of household WEEE per inhabitant per year.
• From 2019, a collection rate of 65% of the average weight of EEE placed on the market during the previous three years, or 85% of the WEEE produced.
• For heat exchange equipment and large equipment: 85% recovered and 80% prepared for reuse and recycled.
• For photovoltaic panel waste: 85% recovery and 80% preparation for reuse and recycling.

Entry into force and scope

The decree enters into force on the first day of the month following the expiration of a ten-day period starting the day after its publication in the Belgian Official Gazette, namely in October 2026; Article 37, relating to cost accounting, enters into force on January 1, 2027. By holding producers, distributors, and citizens accountable, this text implements the transition to a circular economy in Wallonia, prioritizing reuse, repair, and local electronic waste treatment channels.

Official source: Belgian Official Gazette of September 15, 2026, No. 208, p. 50026 — Decree of the Walloon Government of July 16, 2026, relating to the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment and framing the extended producer responsibility of products related thereto, reference [C − 2026/006602].