Japanese consumers would be required to reuse and reprocess rare earths metals found in a number of electronic products in a bid to lessen dependence on the precious metals under opending legislation.

According to www.recylinginternational.com, the draft bill would help manufacturers review their product design and eventually push for the reuse of rare earths and precious metals.

Should it be passed into law, Japan, which hopes to gain a steadier and reliable supply chain from the scheme, will have to educate businesses and private consumers to separate used electronic products from other waste. The rare earths recycling, the www.recylinginternational.com said, will help boost the country's production of hybrid vehicles and precision equipment.

Earlier this month, Japan announced it will issue some $65 million as subsidy fund to encourage its manufacturers to develop new technologies, products and services that rely less on rare earth metals and minerals.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said the government wants companies to reduce their reliance on rare earths, particularly dysprosium, used for motors in hybrid vehicles and other products, through recycling innovations as well as inventing dysprosium-free products. Japan wants to slash its domestic use of the precious metal by 200 tonnes to 400 tonnes a year, or by 30 per cent in two years.

Japan's federal government would need to allocate a budget to promote and make efficient the the rare earths new recycling system scheme, at the same time pushing local authorities to implement strict measures to separate the collection of e-waste for subsequent delivery to designated processors. No budget figures were reported by www.recylinginternational.com.