Valpak fully supports the concept of an industry led working group which would look into the feasibility of a central allocation system, providing that it is flexible enough to adapt to operational issues and can be implemented within the expected tight implementation timescales due to be announced by Government. The system should not tie anyone into arrangements which are not acceptable or practical to operate.

Valpak believes that any allocation system should be on a voluntary basis, allowing mutually beneficial and/or existing relationships between Schemes and Local Authorities to continue. This approach not only offers the most economic solution to obligated businesses but is also an environmentally efficient choice from an operational perspective.

Head of WEEE Services at Valpak, Mike Sadler said: "Valpak understands the latest DTI proposals which protect Local Authorities through a "fall back position". Where, after making reasonable efforts to engage with Producers or their Schemes, they do not reach agreement to clear sites, they can remain part of the collection network and recover costs through a Government lead "settlement centre". This ultimately places an immediate incentive for schemes to engage with Local Authorities in order to control collection, treatment and recycling costs."

Commenting on recent press reports on the proposed implementation timetable, Valpak fully supports the Government's efforts to move towards an agreed plan and appreciates clarity of timescales but, if reports are correct, has some reservations with a number of key points. Mike Sadler said: "Some elements of what has been reported look very ambitious. For example, producer schemes seem to be required to start making agreements with Local Authorities three months before the regulations come into force and will only be allowed one month from approval of their compliance scheme to recruit members and put Local Authority agreements in place."

"We would also like to see a coordinated national communications programme to raise awareness among obligated companies as a key part of the implementation programme."

Valpak continues to utilise its existing expertise in the field of producer responsibility to create and deliver innovative and trusted WEEE compliance solutions to UK obligated companies and currently has a membership of in excess of 500 obligated producers.