In Germany the phase-out of the use of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) is now almost complete. Germany is thus complying with its commitments in the EU PCB Directive well in advance of the target year 2010.
Five Federal Laender have already registered complete disposal. In two Laender, a total of six pieces of equipment are still in use with exemption permits. Only a few pieces of equipment containing PCBs and small amounts of liquids containing PCBs remain to be disposed of. The environmentally sound disposal of this remaining amount is guaranteed, since the capacities far exceed the remaining volumes. Around 10 years ago more than 300,000 tonnes of equipment and liquids containing PCBs required disposal. More than 99% of this has already been disposed of. Only two transformers will require disposal by the target year of 2010.
PCBs are persistent compounds which accumulate in the food chain and can lead to considerable health and environmental problems. As they possess good isolating and cooling properties and are highly flammable they were mainly used as transformer oils and hydraulic fluids in mining. PCBs have not been produced in Germany since 1983. The European PCB Directive adopted in September 1996 commits Member States to take measures for the decontamination or disposal of equipment containing PCBs as soon as possible, at the latest by 2010. Germany has fulfilled this obligation with its PCB Waste Ordinance of 26 June 2000.