Stricter air pollutant limits for cement plants
The limits for air pollutant emissions from cement plants will be tightened. In addition, the recycling of electronic equipment will be extended. The Federal Council has approved the amendment of the corresponding ordinances - they will come into force at the beginning of January.
On October 20, 2021, the Federal Council approved amendments to the Ordinance on Air Pollution Control (LRV) and the Ordinance on the Return, Take-Back and Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (VREG).
Air pollution control: Reduction of emissions from cement plants
Cement plants in Switzerland are responsible for just under 4 percent of the country's nitrogen oxide emissions. In recent years, the technology for reducing this air pollutant has been further developed, according to the Federal Council. It could now also be used in cement production plants. The revised LRV ensures that pollutant emissions from these plants are reduced in line with the latest technology. According to the company, the ordinance includes stricter emission limits for nitrogen oxide and other air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and dust, and requires continuous monitoring of ammonia emissions. Until full implementation at all plants at the end of 2031, a staggered reduction in pollutant emissions will be achieved through an industry agreement. The revised ordinance will enter into force on Jan. 1, 2022, according to the statement.
Recycling of electronic devices is extended
Thanks to the separate collection and recycling of old appliances, valuable materials such as gold, copper, aluminum, iron or recyclable plastic components can be recovered using the appropriate recycling technologies. The revision of the ordinance, which will come into force on January 1, 2022, will help to strengthen the recycling of old appliances and thus close the resource cycle, the Federal Council emphasizes. Rare technology metals such as neodymium or tantalum are now to be recovered if the necessary processes exist, according to the statement.
The scope of the regulation is to be extended to all electrical and electronic devices. According to the information, this includes in particular medical devices, monitoring and control instruments, dispensing machines and photovoltaic modules, which will fall under the VREG in the future. The Uvek will publish a list showing the devices affected, the Federal Council said. The fact that the requirements of the VREG now also apply to equipment from vehicles, buildings and objects whose removal is possible with a reasonable amount of effort also increases the potential for recovering recyclable components, according to the statement.
Due to the ongoing discussions on parliamentary initiative 20.433 "Strengthening the Swiss circular economy", aspects relating to the future financing solution for the collection and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment under the VREG are being put on hold. As soon as the work of the parliament has been completed, the Uvek will analyze whether the VREG should be revised again with regard to the future financing system, as it concludes.
Source: Confederation
