The new rules stipulate a collection target of 45% of electronic equipment sold to be enforced from 2016 which will then be increase to 65% of equipment sold, or 85 % of electronic waste generated from 2019.
Members of the European Union currently collect a third of the e-waste.
Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik said there was now a need for new collection channels for electronic waste while improving the effectiveness of the existing ones.
"In these times of economic turmoil and rising prices for raw materials, resource efficiency is where environmental benefits and innovative growth opportunities come together," added Potocnik.
As a next step, member states will be required to amend their respective legislations on e-waste to be in compliance with the said directive by February 2014.
The new directives will also allow the member states greater power in fighting illegal export of e-waste and reduce of administrative burdens through harmonization of national registration and reporting requirements.
