WeArEco

By project WEEEWaste

Published on 07 February 2024

Romania

Bucureşti-Ilfov

Ilfov

About this good practice

The political instrument to which GP refers is a greener Europe. This free web application was launched by CNREE Association on October 2023 to cover the collection needs of electrical and electronic equipment generated by the population in Ilfov county.
The structure of the platform is user friendly, intuitive for the population that wants to direct electrical and electronic equipment waste for recycling, according to European standards. It includes an easy schedule for collecting waste directly from the applicant's home and location on the map through the google maps geolocation function that allows the user to automatically retrieve the address and coordinates for pickup. Once the location is done, it can be also use optimized itineraries to access WEEE with reduced CO2 consumption.
The platform is extremely fast and easy to use, the process takes only 3 minutes and in just 48 hours a team arrives at the location to pick up the equipment.
By collecting WEEE with the help of the application, people earn points and can purchase from the application various products recovered from recycled materials - a set of writing instruments, diaries, audio headphones,laptop backpack with USB charging, sandwich maker, etc. Thus, WEEE recycling becomes attractive.

Expert opinion

Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world. Less than a quarter of e-waste produced globally in 2022 was known to be formally recycled; however, e-waste streams contain valuable and finite resources that can be reused if recycled properly. Electronic waste is addressed in many European policies, including the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Eco-Design Directive. The EU WEEE Directive has set a target of a 65% minimum collection rate, but only 35 percent of this waste is collected and recycled in Take-Back Systems. The other 65 % are either illegally exported or recycled under conditions that do not meet EU standards (this applies to the majority of items), or incorrectly disposed of in household waste. This good practice stimulates collection and recycling of electronic waste by making the collection very easy. The gamification component – people are earning points for handing over their unused electronic devices – further increases the engagement and boosts collection rates. This excellent practice can be inspiration to other regions and cities in Europe.

Magda Michaliková

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

The budget invested so far was 15,000 euros and they still search ways of funding for promoting purposes for the web application.

Evidence of success

By the end of 2023, 1128 kg (152 pieces) of electrical and electronic equipment waste were collected, with an average weight of 7.42 kg / pc.

Potential for learning or transfer

The potential for learning and transfer of this good practice lies in its scalability, adaptability, and effectiveness in engaging citizens in e-waste recycling. This good practice demonstrates an innovative, efficient, and engaging method to tackle e-waste. European organizations aiming to replicate it should ensure regulatory alignment, local adaptation, strong partnerships, and incentive mechanisms to maximize impact and encourage widespread adoption. It can be replicated in other European contexts as it is an user-friendly digital web application (the integration with Google Maps ensures accurate geolocation, streamlining the pickup process.); the platform reduces CO₂ emissions by using optimized routes for waste pickup; offering reward points for participation makes recycling more attractive.