Hazardous and toxic substances in e-waste pollute human and animal health as well as the environment. E-waste plays a significant role in climate change. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor, improperly disposed refrigerators and air conditioners emitted nearly 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents in 2019. This alone represents 0.3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The collection and processing of e-waste makes a significant contribution to climate protection. This is one of the reasons why the European Union has set a target of 65 percent for the collection of old electrical and electronic equipment.
Collection rate of e-scrap lower than planned
Too bad that for another year in a row the collection rate could not be achieved, at least in Germany. Current figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt) indicate that at 44.3 per cent for 2019, the collection rate increased slightly compared to the previous year (2018: 43.7 per cent), but was still missed.
The recycling rate remained almost unchanged compared to the previous year at 85.4 per cent.
The new ElektroG is intended to counteract
With the amended ElektroG, which is to come into force on 1 January 2022, the collection network for WEEE is to be significantly expanded. For the new ElektroG3 there are plans for an extra quota for preparation for reuse: 10 percent of all collected WEEE. This would then mean more than 80,000 tonnes of e-waste to be additionally prepared for reuse.
For us, every day is #globalrecyclingday and we help manufacturers of electrical equipment to meet their obligations: Product registration, reporting and safe recycling for a closed product life cycle.
