Precious but Dangerous Waste

E-waste is a complex mixture of materials and components that can cause major environmental and health problems due to its hazardous content. In order to improve e-waste management and contribute to the circular economy and increase resource efficiency, it is necessary to improve the collection, treatment, and recycling of e-waste.

By creating the BiH ESAP 2030+, the competent institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) received an Environmental Strategy and an Action Plan with strategic and thematic goals, with feasible, clearly defined and adopted measures. The content of BiH ESAP2030+ refers to seven EU areas of the environmental acquis, including the thematic area of Waste.

In summer 2024, the South African government published a strategy paper on the management of e-waste, which was developed in collaboration with Empa. This is the first time the country has issued standardized guidelines for the proper and safe handling of e-waste. The collaboration is part of a program funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Belgium prohibits the sale of single-use (disposable) e-cigarettes as of 1 January 2025.

Amending Bill of the German Act on Electr(on)ical Equipment (11 October 2024): Separate collection for re-use

Expected ban of disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”) in France

Publication and handover of a joint position paper to Parliamentary State Secretary Dr. Bettina Hoffmann

A new form of pollution is conquering the Swiss environment and creating challenges for waste management: disposable e-cigarettes.

EU negotiators reached a provisional deal on a bill that aims to reduce waste and bolster the repair sector by making product repairs more accessible and cost-effective.

Plan E campaign provides information on correct disposal – collection volume and recycling must increase

This exciting initiative, led by ECOLOGICON GmbH and Stiftung GRS Batterien. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety BATTPRO focuses on developing sustainable systems for collecting and recycling household and lithium-ion batteries in Cambodia and Thailand.

Incorrect disposal of small and micro electrical appliances with lithium batteries (Lithium Light Appliances - LiLA) represents an increased safety risk. GRS is testing separate return of these devices at public waste disposal sites and in retail using the LiLA bin.

Located at Stellantis’ Mirafiori Complex, the SUSTAINera Circular Economy Hub starts up with engine, gearbox, and high-voltage EV battery remanufacturing, vehicle reconditioning and dismantling, with additional activities to be added

The past October 10th Governor Newsom signed the bill SB 244, the right- to repair legislation for consumer electronics

At the end of July, the EU Commission published its delegated act to concretise the taxonomy regulation which was approved in principle at the middle of the same month.

The regulation will regulate the entire life cycle of batteries – from production to reuse and recycling – and ensure that they are safe, sustainable and competitive.

On Wednesday, Parliament approved new rules for the design, production and waste management of all types of batteries sold in the EU.

German government successfully advocates for greater ease of repair

Since joined in the Basel Convention in 1994, South Korea has established policies and strategies to minimize risks to human health and the environment caused by hazardous wastes and other wastes

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one of the most complex and heterogeneous waste streams, containing a wide variety of substances, some hazardous, some valuable and some both.

As the USB cables are made of plastics and metals, it would be a waste of resources if they were sent to the landfill directly.

This study shows issues, challenges, and business opportunities of emerging wastes (LED lamps, photovoltaics, wind turbines, lithium-ion batteries, etc.)

To realize a circular economy and carbon neutrality, it is necessary to improve factors that impede recycling, such as plastic waste treatment in the informal sector and manage hazardous substances in plastics for safety.

Under the leadership of Fraunhofer, WtERT Germany has brought its project of collection points in three cities in Tunisia to an initial conclusion.