According to Euronews.green, this would apply for photovoltaic panels manufactured after the date of August 13, 2012. Additionally, electrical and electronic gear manufacturers who sold their products on the EU market after 2018 will also have the responsibility of managing waste in a sustainable way.

The amount of electrical equipment placed on the EU market rose from 7.6 million tons in 2012 to 13.5 million tons in 2021, while in the same time-frame, the collection efforts grew from 3 million tons to 4.9 million tons. Recycling, however, varies between member states.

Stéphane Arditi, the European Environment Bureau’s director for circular economy, industry and climate, said that "waiting for 2026 to kick off the process would mean wasting another two precious years."

The new legislation will enter into force after it will be signed by presidents of the European Parliament and the Council.