Shops selling electric apparatus to take over worn-out technology free of charge in Moldova

Chisinau, 5 October /MOLDPRES/ - Economic agents which place on market electric and electronic equipments will create collection points for taking over worn-out apparatus free of charge. The service will be provided at the purchasing or delivery of new equipment and the buyer can demand this according to the principle “one for one”, Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Minister Nicolae Ciubuc told a news conference today.  

”We have a legislative framework approved in line with European Union’s directives, law on waste. The regulation on waste and electric and electronic equipment, approved under cabinet decision, and which entered into force on 23 September, enforces the provisions of the law and its goal is to reduce the negative impact of this noxious waste on the environment. Through the approval of the regulation, the government okayed the mechanism of enforcing the principle of extended responsibility of the producer,” the minister noted.    

For the time being, five points of collecting electric and electronic waste have been created in Moldova, which will be put at the disposal of consumers from Chisinau and Balti. The waste containers were bought due to the project, Development of capacities in the implementation of producer’s extended responsibility, to initiate the implementation of a new principle of waste management, financially backed by the government of Slovakia.    

”We will further support Moldova in the environmental protection sector; we are set to jointly carry out projects on supply with water and sanitation, projects on exchange of experience concerning the integration into the European Union and technical assistance projects. The today’s actions represent an example of support in the adjusting of the legislation on waste,” Ambassador of Slovakia to Moldova Dušan Dacho said.  

To popularize the provisions of the new regulation, with the support of Slovakian partners, a video spot was launched. Thus, consumers will learn, for instance, that, for equipments of small dimensions (irons, hairdryers, etc.), distributors have obligation to create collection points without asking clients to purchase apparatus instead of them. Also, producers and importers are to create stimuli for residents, in order to enhance the citizens’ awareness.   

(Reporter L. Grubii, editor A. Raileanu)