The EU Directives on RoHS (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) are the most significant developments in electronics legislation to happen in many years. Acer's environmental, health and safety policies represent our commitment to provide products and services that are environmentally sound throughout their lifecycle.

PCs and other IT-products are widely seen as being instruments for future progress via improved public access to information and services. The manufacture of IT-products is one of the world's fastest growing industries. In 2003 alone, there were approximately 154.7 million PCs shipped. It is estimated that there are several billions of PCs around the world with an average life span of only 2~3 years, in developed countries. Therefore, the scrap computer components have increasingly received environmental concerns. However, cost is a decisive factor of whether the parts will be recovered.

Several recycling programmes initiated by IT-product producers have been implemented over the last ten years. The recyclable items normally include notebooks, hard disks, power supplies, PC circuit boards, frame shells and monitors. The related manufacturers and importers have the responsibility to set up the collection and recycling system. Acer has participated in such programmes, including SWICO in Switzerland, the El-kretsen in Sweden, the El-Retur in Norway and the Recycling Management Foundation in Taiwan.

Chemicals are essential to manufacturing activities, however, improper usage or incorrect substance management methods can lead to serious environmental pollution. Acer is looking at improved collection infrastructures and product design to meet the requirements of the WEEE and RoHS.