Support the collective with the renewal of the AVV

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for electrical and electronic equipment has been in place for 25 years. Stichting OPEN plays a key role as a non-profit coordinating organization for the implementation of EPR. The agreements on how Stichting OPEN carries out the EPR are laid down in a waste management contribution agreement (ABBO), which has been declared generally binding by the government, known as the AVV. The current AVV for the collective system of electrical and electronic equipment and lamps, assigned to Stichting OPEN, is set to expire and must be renewed.  

Why is an AVV important?
Every producer and importer of electrical and electronic equipment and lamps in the Netherlands is subject to a legal producer responsibility, including achieving a legally defined collection rate. Furthermore, they must ensure a well-functioning, nationwide collection system, efficient and high-quality processing of discarded electrical equipment and lamps, and annual reporting of results to the government. The AVV secures the financial basis for fulfilling these legal obligations and funds the collection and recycling system for discarded electrical equipment and lamps.

Fair cost distribution and an affordable system
A nationwide collective collection and recycling system can only be maintained efficiently if all producers and importers contribute financially. The AVV ensures this by obliging all producers and importers to pay a waste management contribution to cover the costs. This creates a level playing field.

The current AVV expires on December 31, 2025. Given the lead time of the procedure, a new AVV request will be submitted to the government by April 1, 2025. The aim is to have a new AVV in effect by January 1, 2026.

New AVV application
With a new AVV, Stichting OPEN can continue to implement producer responsibility efficiently on behalf of all producers and importers. A collective approach via Stichting OPEN offers several benefits:

  • Efficiency through collectivity
    By joining Stichting OPEN, you benefit from a well-organized collective collection and recycling system. This prevents a fragmented landscape, resulting in cost savings and uniformity.
  • Equal rules for all producers
    An AVV imposes uniform obligations on all producers and importers, regardless of their size, preventing unfair competition.
  • Fair cost distribution
    The principle of a “level playing field” is central. The waste management contribution is distributed proportionally and fairly among participants, ensuring companies can meet their responsibilities.
  • Compliance with legislation
    Stichting OPEN has the expertise and resources to ensure legal obligations are met. You won’t need to worry about complex regulations or reporting requirements to the government.
  • Contribution to a circular economy
    By participating in Stichting OPEN, you directly contribute to a circular economy. We collaborate with municipalities, collectors, and recyclers to recover as many resources as possible and prevent waste.
  • Focus on your products
    By delegating your producer responsibility to us, you can focus on what you do best: running your business. We ensure the collection and recycling chain operates smoothly and professionally.

Support the collective
With the AVV application, Stichting OPEN strengthens the collective system that enables collection and recycling.

By agreeing to the new AVV application via the MyOpen system (by clicking yes or no), you indicate whether Stichting OPEN may collectively fulfill individual producer responsibilities on behalf of your company. Your business is fully relieved of these responsibilities, and all producers and importers contribute equally.

Questions about the AVV?
The Q&A provides an overview of possible questions and answers about the EPR and AVV. Didn’t find your question? Visit the Afval Circulair website or send an email to producenten@stichting-open.org.

Download the PDF with questions and answers: Q&A English

  

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  • How is the waste management fee structured?

    The waste management levy, also known as the waste-management fee, is an amount that every producer and importer of electrical and electronic devices must pay to Stichting OPEN. This fee is determined based on the quantity of electrical and electronic appliances that a producer and/or importer introduces to the market annually.

    The waste management fee comprises operational costs, system costs, and a fixed contribution. Operational costs include expenses related to the collection, transport, sorting, and processing of waste electrical and electronic appliances. System costs cover expenses for organization, communication, research, controls, audits, and more. The fixed contribution is a set amount per producer or importer, which covers costs not included in the operational or system costs, such as the contribution to the National (W)EEE Register (NWR). For the reporting year 2022/2023, the contribution to the National (W)EEE Register is set at EUR 75. Stichting OPEN directly invoices these costs as a fixed amount to the producers and/or importers of electrical and electronic appliances and transfers this amount in full to the National (W)EEE Register.

  • Can I apply for a waiver of Stichting OPEN GTC?

    Yes, it is possible to apply for a waiver from Stichting OPEN GTC if a company believes it can effectively manage the collection and recycling of its products independently. In such cases, the company can submit a request for exemption from the General Administrative Order (AVV) to the Minister. The request should be well-reasoned and substantiated. You can find more information about this procedure here.