´The objectives of the Community's environment policy are, to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment, protect human health and utilize natural resources prudently and rationally. That policy is based on the precautionary principle and principles that preventive action should be taken, that the environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source and that the polluter should pay.´

Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on WEEE, as amended.