The UK Resource Recovery Forum has agreed to support two new studies to help provide data on aspects of sustainable waste management. Protocols for measuring recycling of WEEE The Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires end-of-life equipment to be collected for recovery, recycling and re-use. The proposal has been adopted by the European Commission and is expected to become law during 2002, with implementation in EU Member States expected 18 months after (2004). Whilst there is continual debate about many of the issues surrounding the implementation of the Directive, there are still several grey areas that require further investigation if the fundamentals of the legislation are to be achieved. Some of the key questions remain unanswered: how can one measure the output of WEEE recycling? what recycling is being achieved to date in the UK? what progress is being made in the recycling of the different categories of WEEE? is the UK going to achieve the targets? Funded by landfill tax credit support from Cory Environmental, consultants E4Environment will be seeking answers to these questions with a view to making recommendations on the protocol for measuring the output of the WEEE recycling. Experience with the packaging legislation has already demonstrated the difficulties of predicting whether one can achieve targets. By examining the current status of recycling of WEEE and using experience of packaging legislation, it is hoped to can get a better understanding of the systems that will be needed and be prepared in good time for implementation of the legislation in 2004. To this end the study will provide invaluable background information, which will help government and producers (manufacturers and retailers) to achieve their obligations under the Directive. Waste by water The Forum has agreed to support a feasibility study proposed by consultants Marine Data International in Hampshire to assess the feasibility of moving waste and recyclables by several local waterways, based on the following criteria: hours of tidal access water depth through tide range channel width & topography suitability of loading points environmental analysis suitable vessel types The RRF will fund this project, with a contribution from Hampshire County Council. It is expected that the feasibility study will generate data and conclusions which will be relevant to many other circumstances beyond Hampshire