Recycling

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive took effect in 2005, and requires producers to take back and recycle waste electrical and electronic items. Additionally, it requires that producers mark items to show consumers that they should not be discarded with general domestic waste, and to provide advice to consumers on suitable disposal options. Panasonic has proactively developed solutions to all these requirements.

• * Return ratio :WEEE collection volume/EEE put on the market

The return ratio has been calculated for collected amounts for which Panasonic is financially responsible for based on its market share. For some countries with a Visible Fee so far there are only estimated figures available which will be updated as soon as there will be more precise data available.

In order to get a picture of the return share of Panasonic's own branded products, sample tests for TVs are carried out in some countries. So far, these tests show a set-related resulting return ratio between 1.5% and 5.8%: UK (5.8%), Germany (1.9%), Austria (2.0%), Spain (3.0%), Italy (1.7%), France (1.5%) and Czech Republic (4.0%).

Since 2000 Panasonic has been amassing much recycling management know-how and technological expertise in Japan including our recycling facility, The Panasonic Eco Technology Center (PETEC) . We knew this expertise would be a valuable addition to the European recycling industry. Accordingly, we established ENE EcologyNet Europe GmbH (ENE) in April 2005 with the view that our expertise accumulated in Japan would be useful. As a subsidiary of Panasonic, the same quality and high ecological standards are applied to ENE's operations. Initially focusing on the recycling of WEEE in Germany, ENE meets all the legal, transport and recycling obligations for Panasonic and the partner producers who choose to use ENE to meet their WEEE obligations.

We have established our own-brand computer takeback system across Europe, which for Panasonic is primarily a business-to-business market. This takeback system involves our European recycling subsidiary, EcologyNet Europe, thereby ensuring the quality of the whole recycling process, and eliminating the risk of any illegal waste dumping in under-developed countries, which is a current concern to the electronics industry.Based on our Notebook recycling schemes operating in North America, Europe and Japan, this means that Panasonic offers recycling solutions covering 95% of the entire Group's global sales volume of computers.

Toughbook (PC) Takeback Program

Panasonic has a very diverse product range in Europe. To manage our WEEE compliance across the EU, it has been our policy to register directly with appropriate recycling schemes in countries where we have legal company presence. Elsewhere, we work with our distributors to ensure that responsibilities are managed locally. We apply the same approach to battery recycling; we are also members of numerous systems in various European countries. By clicking on each of the schemes listed below, you will learn more about their activities. Many also give guidance on how to recycle your electronic products in each country.

Note: some of the web-sites may only be available in local language. Details of Panasonic affiliated WEEE recycling schemes by country.

Austria	EVA	Norway	El:Retur
Belgium	Recupel	Bulgaria	Ecobultex
Czech	Elektrowin Asekol	Luxembourg	ECOTREL
Denmark	Elretur EPA	Netherlands	Wecycle ICT Milieu
Finland	Serty Oy	Poland	ElektroEko
France	Eco-Systemes	Portugal	Amb3E
Germany	EcologyNet Europe [ENE]	Slovakia	SEWA
Greece	Recycling of Appliances SA	Spain	Tragamovil ECOFIMATICA Ecotic Ambilamp
Hungary	Electro-Coord Kht [CECED]	Sweden	El Kretsen
Ireland	WEEE Ireland	Switzerland	Swico
Italy	Remedi@	UK	REPIC
Romania	Rorec Ecotic	Slovenia	ZEOS

Panasonic Systems Networks Europe (PSNE), a division of Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH,is expanding its European recycling program for used toner cartridges.
PSNE will set up a web-based return process by 1st of September 2011.
In December 2004 the Panasonic Communications USA (PSNUK) have already launched a recycling program in the UK.
Consumers from different European countries can send used fax cartridges to PSNUK which deals with a proper recycling.
Appropriate return labels can be found in the product packaging. These return labels are also available on September 2011 on the Panasonic Website.

Panasonic continues to play a leadership role in developing recycling infrastructure across the United State and Canada.

• * This result is the cumulative total of Panasonic's voluntary and mandatory collections as of June, 2010.

Panasonic North America has led the establishment of a dedicated recycling management company in a joint venture with Sharp Electronics Corporation and Toshiba America Consumer Products LLC. Called Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, LLC, (MRM), the company's goal is to provide consumers with convenient and responsible recycling opportunities.

MRM has emerged as the country's leading electronic product stewardship organization representing 40 brands and operating comprehensive programs in 19 states with manufacturer collection mandates, including Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. MRM is also developing a manufacturer stewardship program for Pennsylvania. Panasonic believes that collaborative manufacturer plans such as MRM is now operating are the best way to achieve the economies of scale needed to realize consumer convenience and environmentally sustainable recycling. Since its inception MRM has collected and recycled 50,909 tons of electronic products. Additional information is available at MRM.

Furthermore, we have proactively worked on recycling solutions in all the states and provinces across North America as listed below. By clicking on each recycling organization's link, you can gain access to information on how to dispose of unwanted electronics.

Panasonic Is Now Implementing A National Recycling Program for Panasonic Audio and Video Consumer Products in the United States

Continuing to demonstrate the Panasonic Group’s commitment to responsible end-of-life solutions, Panasonic launched a nationwide program in November 2008 to collect and recycle audio and video consumer products across the United States.

Panasonic's goal for this program is consumer convenience and responsible recycling.
Panasonic now supports over 1100 collections sites nationwide. Our goal to is have 1200 sites by the end of FY2011 and expand our network to 1600 sites by the end of FY2013. The Panasonic National Program is operated by MRM.

Click here to view the most recent press release

We set a precedent by playing a major role in the establishment of the ‘Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC)’ in the United States in 1994, and exercising leadership therein. This organization collects and recycles Ni-Cd (nickel cadmium), Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride), lithium ion, lead rechargeable and other batteries used in electrical and electronic appliances from over 30,000 retailers across the United States and Canada. In 2010, RBRC collected and recycled 3,000 metric tons of rechargeable batteries across the US and Canada.

Panasonic North America: Battery Recycling

Panasonic initiated its own dedicated computer take-back system in the US in 2006. Where units have a refurbishment value, we offer a buy-back program. Where units are no longer suitable for refurbishment, we offer free-recycling of any Panasonic laptop, to ensure their safe, environmentally responsible end-of-life management. Based on our Notebook recycling schemes operating in North America, Europe and Japan, this means that Panasonic offer recycling solutions covering 95% of the entire Group's global sales volume of computers.

Laptop recycling program

Panasonic was a founding member of the Consumer Electronics Association's eCycling Leadership Initiative. Launched in April, 2011, the Leadership Initiative is a voluntary effort by major electronic product manufacturers to increase recycling in the US to one billion pound annually (455 MT) by 2016, a three-fold increase from 2010 levels.

Panasonic North America (PNA): eCycling

Panasonic North America (PNA): Toner Cartridge Recycling

The Regulation for the Management of Recycling and Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Products (China WEEE) was enforced in January 2011, and prior to the enforcement, many used home appliances were collected across the country in line with the Chinese government's policy to promote the replacement of home appliances launched in June 2009.
Panasonic signed an agreement to establish a joint company for recycling business in Hangzhou, named Panasonic DADI DOWA Summit Recycling Hangzhou Co., Ltd. with Hangzhou DADI Environmental Protection Engineering Co., Ltd., DOWA Holdings Co., Ltd., and Sumitomo Corporation in May 2011. The new company will engage in collection, disassembly, and selling recycled materials of used appliances according to the WEEE regulation aiming for an advanced model for home appliances recycling in China, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and the effective use of resources in the country.

Rendering of Panasonic DADI DOWA Summit Recycling Hangzhou Co., Ltd.

In the Republic of Korea, we take on the expenses of recycling PC, audio and battery in accordance with the Manufacturer Responsibility Reapplication System. Panasonic‘s recycling data for 2010 is provided as follows.

Digital Imaging Consumables

Panasonic funds the processing of all its cartridges and other digital imaging consumables that are returned through the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark program.

Air Conditioning Refrigerant

Under the requirements of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989, Panasonic has a responsibility to hold membership of an approved Product Stewardship Scheme in relation to the end-of-life recycling of the refrigerant in the products it imports into Australia. Panasonic pays a levy for each kg of refrigerant imported.

TV and Computer Recycling

Panasonic is a Foundation Member of Product Stewardship Australia, a not-for-profit organisation which is working with the Australian Government and the Computer Industry to implement a National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme in 2011.

Over the past few years and thanks to the dedicated efforts of society conscious NGOs, the need to address the growing e-waste menace in India has reached a critical mass of momentum.

In a proactive move to demonstrate our goodwill and intent to support e-waste management in India, Panasonic India (PI) announced a recycling policy in their website in the July 2009. Salient features of the announcement included support for legislation to create a level playing field and the intent to launch a voluntary recycling program in India by March 2010.

Since July 2009 and in close cooperation with Panasonic senior staff from our headquarter, namely, the Recycling Management Group (RMG), Audio Visual Company (AVC), and Asia Oceania Management division(ASOM), PI embarked on a mission to understand the recycling landscape in India. This exercise involved conducting due diligence on the following:

1. Surveying reputed organized recyclers across the country
2. Discussions with NGOs and Industry organizations
3. Visually understanding recycling reality in India
4. Due diligence to select a recycler to commence a voluntary recycling program.
5. Attending various forums on the subject of e-waste in India
6. Reviewing and understanding a proposed draft legislation for India and formulating responses from the point of view of a producer (stakeholder)

In March 2010, PI launched a voluntary recycling program in Chennai, India utilizing our brand shop as a primary collection center. Subsequently by June 2010, PI expanded the program to include Bangalore and Hyderabad. The intent is to expand this program within FY 2011 across key cities in India that include Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkota and Ahmedabad and PI is continuing to work on the same.

Currently, PI is working on ways to enhance the awareness on recycling and encourage participation on the scheme from conscientious customers. PI hopes to step up this campaign by the second half of fiscal year. PI understands and recognizes that increasing awareness and simplifying the procedure to increase the flow of end of life cycle (EOL) products for recycling is one of the key pillars of recycling management in India.

In response to a public notification (by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India) on a proposed legislation draft dated 14th May 2010, PI submitted their response/feedback through multiple forums around mid July 2010 - consistent with our intent to be an active participant in contributing to shaping a practical, sustainable and robust recycling legislation in India, that is fair and economically viable for all stakeholders concerned.

It is PI’s observation and opinion that effective recycling management in India, necessitates a legislation solution that is consistent with the unique realities of the Indian environment such as infrastructure and mindsets!

Panasonic’s global thrust is to become the number 1 Green Innovation company in the electronics industry by the year 2018 (the 100th year of our founding). One pillar of that vision is to realize the goal of contributing to form recycling oriented societies! India will deserve and merit the same ideology and thus PI will be committed to supporting the cause.

For details of PI’s Recycling policy and voluntary scheme, please visit here: