OSAKA -- Electrical appliance manufacturers announced earlier this month the fees they plan to charge consumers for recycling basic household appliances, beginning next April.
But while the move is in line with a new law that compels manufacturers to recycle four types of appliances -- washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners and television sets -- many observers point out that the success of the initiative hinges on the percentage of goods that is actually collected.
Under the legislation, manufacturers are obliged to collect and recycle the machines in an effort to encourage the reuse of parts and materials. Consumers will be required to shoulder part of the recycling cost.