WEEE & Batteries

Although batteries have become an integral part of the electronic devices we use daily and our e-waste is steadily increasing from year to year, there is still a lack of information about how to manage such devices at the end of their life. Collecting batteries works well. However, a lot still needs to be done with electronic devices.

This is probably why there are more and more fires during the collection, transportation and recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). What's more, fires also occur in waste collection vehicles, during the collection of waste paper, in almost every material flow in waste management. The recycling rates for the collection of WEEE are low and the required amounts are often not met in most countries.

Fortunately, there are many initiatives around the world that are working to improve the situation and aim to prevent contamination and even fires. For example, BATTPRO in Cambodia and in Thailand with a sustainable return and recycling system for household and lithium-ion batteries or the "LiLA Collection System”, which GRS is launching as a pilot project for the return of small and very small electrical appliances with lithium batteries. Another approach are centers that help communities to easily and correctly manage their e-waste such as E[co]work in India providing a safe, inclusive and circular co-working dismantling space or the WEEE Center in Nairobi, offering recycling services for ICT waste.

If we all contribute willingly and purposefully from our own possibilities, sustainable e-waste management is possible in every corner of the world.

Yours,
Werner Bauer
Vice President of GWC

See more on https://www.wtert.net/Materials/Electronic_Waste

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