Leading PV take-back and recycling scheme collects first 10,000 tonnes of discarded PV modules in Europe
Brussels, November 4, 2014 – With a cumulated 10,000 tonnes of collected waste PV modules, 2014 marks a new breakthrough for PV CYCLE, the PV-focused waste management and compliance provider in Europe.
Created in 2007 for and by the PV sector, PV CYCLE is the only take-back scheme to offer dedicated PV waste management and compliance solutions. With its comprehensive network of hundreds of collection points, specialized waste transporters, and certified PV module recyclers, PV CYCLE has steadily increased its collection figures from an initial 80 tonnes in the first year of operations to 10,053 tonnes today. “Having collected such significant amounts of PV module waste, PV CYCLE has demonstrated its ability to treat large quantities of waste anywhere in Europe”, explains Olmina Della Monica, Operations & Treatment Manager Europe at PV CYCLE.
Originally a voluntary initiative, today the take-back and appropriate disposal of discarded post-production PV modules is mandatory in the European market. Since the European Waste Electronic and Electric Equipment (WEEE) Directive was amended in 2012, PV modules fall under the waste management requirements. “Since 2010, our collection and recycling achievements have consistently exceeded the EU targets set in the 2012 WEEE Directive. PV waste will significantly increase in the coming years and it is important to show that PV CYCLE is ready to meet the challenges ahead”, added Mr Clyncke, Managing Director at PV CYCLE.
By the end of October 2014, PV CYCLE had made collections in 20 different European countries with an infrastructure of 350 collection points.
Note to editor
About PV CYCLE
PV CYCLE is a pan-European Producer scheme, offering dedicated compliance and waste management services for products under WEEE and Battery Producer Responsibility regulations with a special focus on solar energy systems. Founded in 2007 by and for the PV industry, PV CYCLE set the benchmark for collective PV waste treatment and is today’s clear leader in the sector. The organization has national representations in a series of European countries, including Europe’s biggest PV markets: Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
For more information, visit www.pvcycle.org or sign up for our newsletter. You can also find PV CYCLE on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
Media requests
Pia Alina Lange, PR & Communications Manager Europe: media@pvcycle.org
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