There has been international pressure to eliminate and/or reduce the use of lead and other heavy metals in electronic assemblies. This includes Japan's Home Electronics Recycle Law (which went into effect in 2001) mandating that most uses of lead-bearing solders be eliminated. It also includes the European Union directives referred to interchangeably as RoHS/WEEE. These directives, with deadlines for 2006, are primary drivers for the elimination of lead and other heavy metals (as well as PBBs and PBDEs) in the EU and address the rapidly increasing waste stream of electrical and electronic equipment.