The 6th International E-Waste Day event carries the imperative message: “Recycle everything that has batteries or a plug,” and spotlights electronic items often not identified as e-waste, such as beauty treatment devices, electronic toys, power banks, e-cigarettes, USB sticks and other items frequently excluded from recycling processes.
'Massive environmental pollution'
Maria Andrzejewska, General Director of UNEP/GRID-Warsaw, a center affiliated with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said: "The International E-Waste Day speaks to an issue crucial to our national economy and from a global perspective."
She added that "the percentage of e-waste recovery is very low, resulting in massive environmental pollution and impacting the health of people improperly handling these wastes."
"This needs to change," Andrzejewska declared.
'Invisible' electronic waste
According to United Nations estimates, in 2023, each individual worldwide will generate an average of 8 kg of electronic waste. Less than 18 percent of this staggering mountain of waste will be appropriately collected, processed and recycled.
This year's emphasis on "invisible" electronic refuse is backed by a report compiled by NGO ElektroEko, highlighting the knowledge and attitudes of Poles regarding e-waste.
ElektroEko, a prominent Polish nongovernmental organization that seeks to champion recycling, reports notable developments in how electronic waste is handled in the country.
The NGO says it stands out as Poland’s sole electrical and electronic equipment recovery organization operating on not-for-profit principles. It orchestrates the collection, reception, processing, recovery, and recycling of used devices on behalf of its clients, who include manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment, according to executives.
Since the initiation of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) collection system in Poland, ElektroEko has positioned itself as a leader in e-waste collection, according to CEO Grzegorz Skrzypczak.
"Since 2006, we have collected 1.5 million tons of electronic waste, which constitutes over 40 percent of the equipment recovered in Poland," Skrzypczak said.
"Over the years, our educational activities have encompassed over 10 million people," he added. "We run the largest educational program for educational institutions and have been the national coordinator of International E-Waste Day for six years."
ElektroEko says its main objective is to put into practice the principles of the circular economy, utilizing resources obtained from recycling used equipment for re-production.
'An integral part of contemporary life'
Robert Chciuk, director of the waste management department at the Polish Ministry of Climate and the Environment, said that "electronic devices and electrical equipment are an integral part of contemporary life."
However, "the waste they generate contributes to environmental pollution," he noted.
Chciuk emphasized the paramount importance of collecting used and worn-out electrical and electronic equipment from the perspective of developing the circular economy sector.
As the demand for adept management of e-waste swells, ElektroEko aims to remain a pivotal actor in Poland's pursuit of proficient recycling, aspiring to safeguard the environment from deleterious waste and to subtly shift public attitudes towards conscientious disposal and recycling of electronic items.
For more information (in Polish), visit www.dzienbezelektrosmieci.pl
(rt/gs)
Source: pap-mediaroom.pl