About
About
Why ECOSWEEE?
The growing mountain of e-waste is an issue of increasing concern. WEEE and batteries containing hazardous substances give rise to serious environmental pollution and health concerns if not sustainably managed. Furthermore, every product that is not collected for reuse or de-polluted and recycled represents a wasted opportunity in terms of loss of natural resources and energy, a decreasing supply of (critical and/or valuable) materials to feed into manufacturing, which in turn puts the sector’s resilience, the EU economy’s autonomy and jobs in jeopardy. WEEE and battery legislation have laid down ambitious collection and recovery targets. Yet, after twenty years of WEEE rules Member States are falling short of reaching the EU minimum collection rate of 65%. The EU is committed to improving the small WEEE collection rate in the frameworks of the European Green Deal.
Objectives
Prepare 1 report and 1 summary booklet on good practices, drivers and obstacles in the collection of small UEEE, WEEE and portable batteries, as well as 1 report on consumer consultation identifying stakeholders’ needs and habits in returning small U/WEEE and batteries
Test the feasibility and effectiveness of 8 incentives to support the take back obligation and improve the collection rate of small electronics (WEEE, UEEE) and portable batteries in ECOSWEEE pilots for the compilation of successful take-back schemes
Develop 1 impact assessment report highlighting the most effective strategies to increase the collection rate of small electronics and portable batteries and the recovery of secondary materials including CRM
Prepare 1 report and organise 2 briefings presenting findings and policy recommendations that will input the evaluation of WEEE legislation and the proposed Batteries Regulation and other policies in Europe
Develop 1 report including a set of good practices for the exploitation, upscale, and sustainability of the project’s results at Member State and EU level and implement 1 Replicability & Transferability workshop
Reach at least 150 relevant practitioners at EU level in view of collecting various perspectives through the establishment of a Stakeholder Platform (SP) and disseminate project findings (WP6).
Work Plan
WP1 - Project management and coordination
WP1 aims at ensuring a smooth overall coordination of the project, as well as an accurate financial management and timely implementation of the different activities across the 6 work packages throughout the execution of the project. For that, several coordination meetings within the consortium, with the European Commission, and with key external partners are being organised throughout ECOSWEEE. In addition to that management reports are elaborated, a Pilot Committee is established to monitor and manage the pilots planning and implementation under WP3, while the Advisory Board is responsible of reviewing the planning of activities, providing critical advice about the tasks, the implementation of pilots and its results and suggesting recommendations for policies.
WEEE FORUM
WP2 - Background research on good practices, drivers and obstacles in the collection of small U/WEEE and batteries
The overall objective of WP2 is to provide background information for the start of the project, especially to support the design of the pilots (WP3) and in view of the exploitation of the pilots’ results (conclusions and recommendation under WP5). Partners involved are reviewing different take-back schemes using financial and other incentives, for the return of small U/WEEE and portable batteries in different EU Member States, analysing and comparing the different take-back schemes to identify good practices, preliminary assessing the role of PROs and distributors (including online) in setting-up such schemes and further investigating the key factors facilitating or hindering the return of small electronics and portable batteries at consumer level in different Member States.
WP2 research is focusing on small WEEE, with emphasis on CRM containing equipment (mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc.), and portable batteries.
UNITAR
WP3 - Design and performance of Pilots
WP3 is responsible for designing and conducting pilots testing collection systems, building upon the preliminary consultation with WF members and implementing partner carried out during the drafting of the proposal. WP3 is creating a detailed plan for each pilot and the learnings arising from every pilot will be collected in a report that will feed into WP4 and WP5. Pilots are intended to test collection systems for WEEE, portable batteries and small W/EEE for re-use, namely through strategies like deposit return, buy back, other reward schemes (e.g. donation), postal services, other collection routes, involvement of on-line retail, financial aspects such as visible fee, and improvement of collection network.
WEEE FORUM
WP4 - Impact assessment
In WP4 the consortium is evaluating in a harmonized way the effectiveness of the different pilots, as well as of the different strategies employed, in order to determine what are the most effective pilots, the contextual factors that impacted their effectiveness and, by aggregating the results, the most effective strategies to facilitate access to small WEEE. After completing the impact assessment report, the partners involved intend to validate it with the whole consortium and other interested stakeholders during a workshop.
UNITAR
WP5 - Sustainability, replication and exploitation of project results
WP5 aims at delivering key conclusions and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, including the European Commission, Member States, relevant organisations at national level, and consumers and plan the afterlife of the project. Taking advantage of the outputs of WP2 and WP4, in WP5 partners are developing a clear and comprehensive exploitation plan of the project’s results, ensuring the sustainability of the project’s results at EU level, assuring the replicability of successful activities in all Member States and Allowing the transferability of the models developed to other types of wastes. These actions will raise awareness on the small U/WEEE and portable battery issue across consumers at EU level, support national stakeholders and EU Member States in the implementation of the take-back obligation under Article 5 of the WEEE Directive, feed the consultation process for the revision of the WEEE Directive and the Commission proposal on a Batteries Regulation and, ultimately, help increasing the recovery of secondary materials including Critical Raw Materials.
UNITAR
WP6 - Outreach and Stakeholder engagement
WP6 is accompanying all project activities, results and outputs throughout the lifespan of the project, aiming at maximizing the project impact in the target countries and globally. For this, the partners involved are developing a clear identity for LIFE-ECOSWEEE, designing and implementing a dissemination and communication strategy, connecting LIFE-ECOSWEEE with other relevant European and global networks/initiative, especially EU LIFE projects, in order to explore potential collaborations, creating a strong connection between LIFE-ECOSWEEE project and its stakeholders, communicating the overall benefits of the project to the general public and citizens and providing inputs for the revision of the WEEE Directive and the Commission proposal on a Batteries Regulation.
SPI
Consortium
The WEEE Forum a.i.s.b.l. (WF) is an international association representing forty-six producer responsibility organisations (PROs) across the globe, which is based in Brussels and was founded in April 2002 preceding the entry into force of Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
Together with its members, the WF is at the forefront of turning the extended producer responsibility principle into an effective electronic waste management policy approach through their combined knowledge of the technical, business, and operational aspects of collection, logistics, de-pollution, processing, preparing for reuse and reporting of e-waste. Their mission is to be the world’s foremost e-waste competence centre excelling in the implementation of the circularity principle.
The WF is the project coordinator. As a competence centre on e-waste issues, it provides a forum for its members to exchange learnings and benchmarking on WEEE management activities. It has an overview of the collection-related initiatives of most of its 45 member PROs. Several of them will be carrying out incentives-driven pilots for returning small WEEE and batteries within this project. WEEE Forum leads the WP on collection pilots (WP3) and will be involved in the recommendations and conclusions of the project (WP5). WF is deeply engaged in the outreach and networking activities (WP6).
Appliances Recycling S.A. is an official Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) that organises, operates, and controls the management of the Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) of all categories in the entire Greek territory. The company was approved as WEEE PRO by the Ministry of Environment, Construction and Public Works in June 2004. Appliances Recycling S.A. coordinates all the stages of WEEE management, which include collection, transportation, temporary storage, separation, treatment and preparing for reuse of WEEE or/and their components, leading ultimately to the removal of hazardous substances and the reuse of recoverable materials as raw material in the production of new products.
The primary objective of ECYCLE is the contribution to the achievement of the National targets, as these are set by the European Union and the Greek legislation. In the project, they participate in the pilot design and implementation (WP3).
ECOTIC is the first and one of the most important collective schemes in Romania in e-waste management with 16 years of experience in the field. Throughout its activity, ECOTIC was a pioneer in what concerns innovative e-waste collection campaigns and market research studies that revealed various data regarding population perception and habits when it comes to e-waste disposal. ECOTIC organised over 800 collection and awareness-raising campaigns at national level, thus their expertise in campaign mechanisms and population approach towards e-waste disposal is vast.
Throughout ECOSWEEE, ECOTIC will cooperate in pilots’ design (WP3) and their performance analysis (WP4).
Electrão – Associação de Gestão de Resíduos is a non-profit producer responsibility organization (PRO). It is the only entity in Portugal who is assuming the management of 3 waste streams (WEEE, waste batteries and accumulators (WBA) and waste packaging) for more than 1300 members. Since its establishment, Electrão has become an expert in recycling solutions for the waste they are responsible for, a vital driver for innovation and an efficient waste management.
Electrão is the major take back system in Portugal for the management of waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) managing and monitoring the entire value chain from collection points to waste treatment. In the specific flow of packaging waste, Electrão is participating in the national pilot incentive system (an initiative prior to the implementation of the SDR) as well as in several pilots for the implement of RVM for packaging. It is also a member of the WEEE Forum, Eucolight and Eucobat and will contribute to pilots’ design (WP3) and in the analysis of their performance (WP4).
ERION Compliance Organization (ECO) is the largest Italian system of Extended Producer Responsibility for the management of waste associated with electronic products and batteries and the valorisation of the raw materials within it. ECO ensures waste management and regulatory compliance to more than 2,400 Producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) and Batteries and Accumulators throughout Italy.
ECO will lead the pilot activities on WEEE and Batteries in Italy (WP3) and will be investigating consumer behaviours in respect of the different disposal possibilities, contributing to the identification of learnings from pilots (WP4).
Ramboll is a leading engineering, design and consultancy company founded in Denmark in 1945. With over 16,000 employees and 300 offices in 35 countries, it emphasises local experience combined with a global knowledge-base. It combines local expertise and global know-how in the business units Buildings & Design, Transport & Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Design, Water, Environment & Health, and Management Consulting.
Ramboll Environment Health GmbH (REH) is based in Munich. In their service field of resource and waste management, Ramboll is predominantly active on behalf of public bodies. The team completed several studies on WEEE on behalf of the European Commission in the past years, and has very good expertise and experience in the fields of European policy, waste management, circular economy, as well as WEEE policy and practice.
With its advanced expertise and experience in the fields of WEEE policy and practice and involvement in the 2022 EU study on small WEEE, Ramboll will lead the mapping of collection practices (WP2), support the pilots design and implementation (WP3), the assessment of the pilots (WP4) and the development of the project conclusion and recommendations (WP5).
The Organisation for Producer Responsibility for E-waste Netherlands (OPEN) is a member of the WEEE Forum and implements the legal producer responsibility for e-waste on behalf of all producers of electrical appliances in the Netherlands. Since 1 March 2021, the OPEN Foundation is responsible for the collection and recycling of all e-waste in the Netherlands on behalf of all producers of electrical appliances. Together with partners they are joining forces to collect at least two-thirds of all e-waste.
Under the flag of Wecycle, the OPEN Foundation keeps running campaigns to encourage consumers and companies to separate and hand in e-waste and energy-efficient lighting at one of the 13,000 Wecycle collection points.
OPEN’s main contribution to the project will be on WP3, as one of the partners participating in the design and implementation of the pilots.
Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação (SPI) is a consulting firm established in 1996, with a deep knowledge of the private and public sectors, as well as the processes that allow its clients to foster innovation, be competitive and generate growth. Combining in-depth knowledge of local contexts with a strong international vision of the real-world setting, SPI structures its activities in 4 areas: Innovation, Science and Technology, Territorial Development, Tourism and Agriculture. SPI supports the needs of its clients through the effective management of knowledge and a range of well-established capabilities across many fields, enabling the development of a unique portfolio of successful projects.
Based on SPI’s extensive experience in the implementation of EU projects, internationalisation and communication activities, SPI supports WEEE Forum with the administrative and logistics management of the project, by providing a structure for internal communication, support to the partners, and contributing to the organisation of internal meetings (WP1). SPI will use its expertise in evaluation assessments to contribute to the impact analysis, contributing to the organisation of the Transferability & Replicability workshop (WP5). Finally, SPI coordinates all outreach activities, dedicating a specialised design team to develop all necessary materials (WP6).
GRS Batterien (GRS) stands for the safe, area-wide and environmentally compatible take-back, sorting and recycling of batteries. In cooperation with a large collection network and service providers in logistics, sorting, and recycling, GRS ensures efficiency and safety. As a collection scheme provider, GRS fulfils the complete legal product responsibilities for their clients portable or industrial battery products, in accordance with the German Battery Act. By setting up voluntary take-back systems for the growing market of industrial lithium batteries, GRS has taken into account the increasing safety requirements at an early stage.
In the project, GRS will compare different incentive systems and investigate how collection rates can be increased (WP3, WP4).
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is operating in this project through its SCYCLE Programme under the UNITAR Bonn office, which recently transitioned from the United Nations University. UNITAR SCYCLE’s mission is to promote sustainable societies. Its activities focus on the development of sustainable production, consumption, and disposal patterns for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), as well as for other ubiquitous goods. SCYCLE leads the global e-waste discussion and advances sustainable e-waste management strategies based on life-cycle thinking. It has a unique position in the fields of waste and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) statistics.
UNITAR SCYCLE supports WEEE Forum with the technical management of the project by ensuring that the deliverables, milestones, and tasks are completed qualitatively, effectively, and on time and that the overall research objectives of the project are being met (WP1). Building on experience from past projects and its wide network, UNITAR coordinates the Advisory Board (WP1). UNITAR leads the research activities (WP2), as well as the development of the recommendations and conclusions emerging from the research and pilots’ implementation and their replicability/transferability (WP5). UNITAR will support the pilots’ design and implementation (WP3) and the development of the impact assessment report (WP4). Using its global network, UNITAR is involved in communication and dissemination activities (WP6).
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Ltd (WEEE Ireland) is an international association representing forty-six producer responsibility organisations (PROs) across the globe. It involves an Extended Producer Responsibility Compliance Scheme operating in Ireland under Government Approval on behalf of Electronic and Electrical Equipment and Battery Producers. Key operations include takeback for recycling and recovery of e-waste, national collection network development, and consumer awareness campaigns.
Together with their members, they are at the forefront of turning the extended producer responsibility principle into an effective electronic waste management policy approach through the combined knowledge of the technical, business, and operational aspects of collection, logistics, de-pollution, processing, and preparing for reuse. WEEE Ireland will participate in the pilot’s design and implementation (WP3) and contribute to the analysis and identification of good practices (WP4).
The company ZEOS is a national non-profit joint scheme for the management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), waste portable batteries and accumulators (WPBA) and waste grave candles. It was established in 2005 based on the requirements of the 2002/96/ES Directive, by manufacturers of EEE. It was decided that its operation was focused on long-term efficient fulfilment of obligations arising from the EU and national legislation. With a wide network of waste collection, ZEOS conducts over 10,000 collections of waste per year and submits them for processing through subcontractors.
The results of ZEOS activities are reflected by yearly growth of the quantity of collected waste and in the increasingly efficient organisation of waste collection processes, which capacitates them to participate in the pilot’s design and implementation (WP3). It is also worth mentioning that ZEOS is a member of the WEEE Forum.
Advisory Board Bios
Colin Fitzpatrick
Limerick University
Italy – Deposit Return System (New)
The “Deposit Return System” pilot by Erion aims to boost the collection of small IT appliances and portable batteries in two Media World retail shops in Milan. Running from May to September 2024, the pilot engages consumers by offering a refundable deposit added to the price of devices, which is returned upon bringing back a small WEEE or battery with a receipt. Additionally, participants receive a shopping voucher as a non-monetary incentive. The initiative targets 500 consumers, aiming for 250 active participants, and includes a communication campaign with in-store information points, posters, and social media engagement. Data on participation and collected waste will be analyzed to assess the pilot’s effectiveness in increasing recycling rates.
- Actors Involved: Erion, Media World
- Type of Incentives: Deposit return scheme, Other reward (indirect-monetary)
Romania –Bring Your Old Mobile/Tablet/Laptop to Altex (New)
The “Bring Your Old Mobile/Tablet/Laptop to Altex” campaign by ECOTIC in Romania aims to collect and recycle or reuse laptops, tablets, and mobile phones through Altex’s 130 urban retail stores. Running from May to June 2024, the campaign offers participants vouchers worth 50 lei (€10) for each device handed over, limited to three devices per person, with a total of 2,500 vouchers available. Collected devices will be evaluated for reuse or recycling, and additional compensation may be offered based on the device’s value. The initiative includes a comprehensive communication plan involving social media, posters, and in-store promotions to engage 1,000-2,000 citizens and raise awareness about proper e-waste disposal.
Slovenia – Recycle the Ones That Ring No More (New)
The “Recycle the ones that ring no more” pilot by ZEOS in Slovenia aims to collect mobile phones and tablets nationwide, offering financial rewards for functional devices and free postal recycling for non-functional ones. Running from March to July 2024, the initiative involves a collaboration with a retail chain and reuse centers, using an app portal for device valuation based on brand, type, and condition. Participants can accept the proposed price for functional devices or opt for free shipping for recycling. Devices will be assessed and processed by Janus Trade, ensuring certified data deletion. The campaign includes extensive promotion through emails, videos, and press releases, targeting citizens and large enterprises to encourage participation and proper e-waste disposal.
- Actors Involved: ZEOS, Janus Trade d.o.o
- Type of Incentives: Direct payment (monetary), Postal service
Other Pilots Using This Incentive:
- Portugal – Vape Collection (New): Learn More
- Norway – Redoit (ongoing): Learn More
Germany – Donation, Contest, No Reward
Stiftung GRS Batterien’s pilot in Northern Germany (Hamburg) aims to boost the collection of portable/device batteries through three strategies. First, for every kilogram of batteries collected, €5 will be donated to “Deutsche Umwelthilfe,” funding climate-neutral battery recycling research. Second, a monthly raffle will offer a €50 retail store voucher to participants who register via QR code on collection boxes. Third, an awareness campaign using posters will promote battery recycling without direct incentives. Running from April to June 2024 in nine retail stores, the pilot targets 30,000 to 60,000 people aged 18-70+. Branded collection containers will be placed in stores, with batteries collected, weighed monthly, and processed by logistical partners. Data collection will comply with GDPR rules. The goal is to achieve a 15%-20% increase in battery collection rates.
- Actors Involved: Stiftung GRS Batterien, Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH)
- Type of Incentives: Other reward (indirect-monetary), Donation (charity), Contest/Raffle
Slovenia – “Exchange Corners”
The “Exchange Corners” campaign, part of the LIFE ‘Turn to e-circular’ project by ZEOS in Ljubljana, encourages consumers to bring functional but unwanted appliances to designated exchange corners at NGOs, promoting appliance-for-appliance swaps. Launched in 2022, the initiative aims to foster reuse, reduce waste, and mitigate environmental impacts. Two exchange corners have been established, collecting an average of 12 appliances per month and exchanging about five.
- Actors Involved: ZEOS
- Type of Incentives: Other reward (indirect-monetary), Bring/Collection points
Other Pilots Using This Incentive
- Greece – Recycle it with a Click! (New): Learn More
- Romania – Bring Your Old Mobile/Tablet/Laptop to Altex (New): Learn More
- Italy – Deposit Return System (New): Learn More
- Germany – Donation, Contest, No Reward (New): Learn More
- France – Lacollecte.tech (ongoing): Learn More
- Ireland – Recycle for Good (ongoing): Learn More
- Slovania – School Collections (ongoing): Learn More
Greece – Recycle it with a Click! (New)
The “Recycle it with a Click!” pilot by Appliances Recycling S.A. (ECYCLE) in Greece aims to collect small IT equipment like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones nationwide. This initiative uses postal services and designated collection bins for convenience. Participants are incentivized through reward points for online marketplace users and the donation of repaired devices to those in need. Targeting citizens aged 18-70+, the pilot includes agreements with courier services, marketing efforts, and IT system development. Collected devices are sent to Sorting Centres for reuse. Challenges include handling devices with embedded batteries and ensuring data privacy and legal compliance. The goal is to increase WEEE collection and promote social responsibility through donations.
- Actors Involved: Appliances Recycling, Environmental Ministry of Greece, ACS Courier, XERMES, YOU
- Type of Incentives: Other reward (indirect-monetary), Postal service, Bring/Collection points, Donation (charity)
France – “je donne mon telephone” (Ongoing)
The “Jedonnemontelephone.fr” initiative by ecosystem, launched in late 2019 in France, facilitates nationwide mobile phone collection through free postal services. Users can download a prepaid label or request a pre-stamped envelope to send up to three phones per package, with the option to donate to a chosen charity. The collected phones are either refurbished by Les Ateliers du Bocage or recycled if unusable. From 2019 to 2023, the initiative garnered 202,000 requests, collected 194,000 phones, and received 83,000 envelopes, with a reuse rate of 3.5%. The program’s success demonstrates an effective combination of convenience and charitable incentives, promoting sustainable phone disposal while supporting various associations.
- Actors Involved: Ecosystem, Ateliers du Bocage, La Poste
- Type of Incentives: Postal service, Donation (charity). Other
Other Pilots Using This Incentive:
- Slovania – Recycle the Ones That Ring No More (New): Learn More
- France – AFM Telethon (ongoing): Learn More
- Switzerland – Be a Vape Recycler (Ongoing): Learn More
Portugal – Vapes Collection (New)
The “Vapes Collected in Retail Stores” pilot by Electrão in Portugal aims to collect 20 tons of vapes/e-cigarettes across 250 Imperial Brands retail stores. Running from March to August 2024, the initiative involves placing specially designed collection boxes in stores and engaging retail employees to promote the effort. Consumers can dispose of used vapes of any brand, with a new network of collection points providing convenience. Retail stores receive financial incentives to participate, and the logistics operator Logista handles box distribution and collection. The project targets 10,000 users and includes a public awareness campaign, aiming to foster environmental responsibility and proper disposal of vapes.
Netherlands – Collection of Small WEEE and Batteries in Haarlem via a Recycling Truck (New)
The “Collection of Small WEEE and Batteries in Haarlem via a Recycling Truck” pilot, organized by the OPEN Foundation and Spaarnelanden, aims to collect small electronics and batteries in Haarlem. From April to June 2024, a recycling truck will visit 10 locations every two weeks, allowing residents to drop off items like mobiles, laptops, tablets, small appliances, IT equipment, and e-vapes. The initiative targets waste in good condition for reuse and ensures secure deletion of personal data from ICT equipment. The pilot combines convenience with data protection to encourage participation, aiming to collect up to 50 tons of WEEE and batteries over six months, while raising awareness through local campaigns.
- Actors Involved: Stichting OPEN, Spaarnelande, Brantjes, OPEN Foundation
- Type of Incentives: Bring/Collection points, Other
Switzerland – Be a Vape Recycler (Ongoing)
The “Vapes Collection” pilot by SENS eRecycling, launched in September 2023 across Switzerland, aims to tackle the growing challenge of vape disposal, particularly addressing the fire risks associated with lithium batteries. Consumers can return used vapes free of charge at various collection points, including sales outlets and municipal or private collection centres. SENS eRecycling provides sellers with Vape Recycling Bags to facilitate easy and safe collection. With around 10 million vapes imported into Switzerland in 2022, the initiative aims to recycle 50% of vapes sold. Supported by a broad awareness campaign, the pilot leverages a network of over 750 collection points and partnerships with 50% of the industry, representing a 70-80% market share, to ensure proper recycling and reduce environmental impact.
- Actors Involved: SENS eRecycling, INOBAT
- Type of Incentives: Postal service, Bring/Collection points
Slovenia – “Mobile Collector” (Ongoing)
The “Mobile Collector” pilot by ZEOS, part of the LIFE E-waste governance project from 2016 to 2020, aimed to improve e-waste and battery collection across Slovenia by making disposal more accessible. ZEOS developed a mobile collection unit equipped with drop-off boxes for WEEE and batteries, which was transported to various locations via trailer. This initiative included 135 collection campaigns, collecting a total of 284,111 kg of WEEE and waste batteries over three years. The campaign effectively increased e-waste recycling by bringing collection solutions closer to citizens, particularly in rural areas, raising awareness and encouraging proper e-waste disposal.
- Actors Involved: ZEOS
- Type of Incentives: Bring/Collection points
Slovenia – “Street Containers” (Ongoing)
The “Street Containers” pilot by ZEOS, launched in 2016 in Slovenia, aimed to improve the collection of small WEEE and batteries by placing 794 street containers in 194 municipalities, collecting approximately 300 tons per year. Part of the LIFE E-waste governance project, the initiative aimed to promote separate waste collection and reduce improper disposal in household waste. The containers, strategically placed in eco-islands and equipped with clear instructions, have facilitated easier disposal for residents. Despite challenges like theft and misthrows, the initiative has been successful, scalable, and replicable, inspiring similar projects in other countries. Through local collaboration and effective marketing, ZEOS continues to expand and optimize this waste management solution.
- Actors Involved: ZEOS
- Type of Incentives: Bring/Collection points
Other Pilots Using This Incentive:
- Greece – Recycle it with a Click! (New): Learn More
- Italy – Parcel Lockers (New): Learn More
- Norway – Redoit (ongoing): Learn More
- Irelland – Recycle for Good (ngoing): Learn More
- Slovania – Exchange Corners (Ongoing): Learn More
Belgium – “Pick-up” (ongoing)
The “Pick up” pilot by Recupel, launched in May 2022 across Belgium, provides small enterprises and organizations with a free, efficient solution for disposing of WEEE. This nationwide initiative uses contracted logistics partners to collect household equipment, aiming for either reuse or recycling. The pilot saw significant success, with 2,590 pickups and 1,100 tons of waste collected from May 2022 to March 2024. Despite challenges differentiating between household and professional appliances and competition concerns from private waste collectors, the pilot demonstrated a viable model for WEEE collection. The initiative filled a service gap, offering convenient and cost-free disposal options, and highlighted the substantial collection potential in Belgium.
- Actors Involved: Recupel
- Type of Incentives: Pick-up service
Norway – “Redoit” (Ongoing)
The Redoit pilot, organized by RENAS in Oslo, Norway, targets the collection of IT equipment from SMEs to ensure efficient recycling before the devices lose value. Since 2017, the initiative has evolved to provide convenience through special containers and a free pick-up service, offering secure data deletion and potential monetary rewards for positive balances. From February to March 2023, the pilot engaged 80 SMEs, with four participating, collecting IT equipment for reuse assessment and recycling by Revac. Despite initial challenges, the pilot achieved nearly financial break-even, demonstrating the potential for long-term profitability and adaptability to SME needs, with ongoing efforts to develop a holistic, sustainable approach by 2025.
- Type of Incentives: Direct payment (monetary), Bring/Collection points, Other
Other Pilots Using This Incentive:
- France – Recycler, c’est aider (Ongoing): Learn More
Italy – Visible fee (New)
The “Visible Fee” pilot by Erion aims to educate consumers on the significance of eco-contributions for small IT appliances and portable batteries. Conducted from May to September 2024 in two MediaWorld retail shops in Milan, the pilot involves setting up information desks to engage customers and explain the visible fee’s purpose. By using posters, videos, and flyers, and administering questionnaires, the pilot seeks to increase awareness while mitigating perceptions of the fee as an extra cost. The initiative targets 1,000 consumers, with data collected through surveys and waste analysis. The project aims to enhance understanding of eco-contributions and their role in environmental sustainability.
Actors Involved: Erion, Media World
- Type of Incentives: Visible Fee
Ireland – Visible fee (New)
The “Visible Fee” pilot by WEEE Ireland, running from May to July 2024, aims to enhance transparency of recycling fees for small appliances to promote sustainable consumption and increase in-store returns of small WEEE. Conducted in collaboration with electrical retailers DID and Expert, the pilot will test the visibility of these fees among consumers, including online shoppers, without requiring a purchase. Data on footfall and customer interactions will be collected to assess the effectiveness of this strategy. The pilot targets both urban and rural areas and involves six retail stores where customers can return small appliances such as kettles, toasters, and coffee machines. The goal is to increase recycling rates by making recycling fees more visible and engaging consumers through marketing and in-store communications.
Actors Involved: WEEE Ireland
- Type of Incentives: Visible Fee
Germany – Donation, Raffle, No Reward (New)
Stiftung GRS Batterien’s pilot in Northern Germany (Hamburg) aims to boost the collection of portable/device batteries through a donation campeign in 2024. The goal is to increase the battery collection rates.
- Actors Involved: Stiftung GRS Batterien, Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH)
- Type of Incentives: Other reward (indirect-monetary), Donation (charity), Contest/Raffle
Slovenia – “School competition” (Ongoing)
The “School Collections” pilot by ZEOS, part of the LIFE Turn to e-circular project in Ljubljana, involved 27 primary schools in a three-week campaign to promote circular economy awareness. The campaign featured a competition where schools collected small e-waste and functional appliances, with the top three schools winning a concert by a Slovenian musician. Citizens could also contribute appliances at collection centers to support their chosen schools. The initiative collected 26,192 kg of small appliances, of which 4,145 kg were still functional and donated to vulnerable groups. The campaign successfully raised awareness, fostered community involvement, and highlighted the importance of recycling and reusing electronic devices.
- Actors Involved: ZEOS, Društvo Duh časa
- Type of Incentives: Other reward (indirect-monetary), Donation (charity), Contest/Raffle
Other Pilots Using This Incentive:
- Ireland – Recycle for Good (Ongoing): Learn More
Italy – Parcel Lockers (New)
The “Parcel Locker” pilot by Erion in Milan and Rome aims to increase the disposal of small IT appliances and portable batteries by utilizing existing parcel pick-up points, such as parcel lockers and tobacco shops. Running from May to September 2024, the initiative places open bins next to parcel lockers and in tobacco shops, informing citizens via Direct Email Marketing and social media about the opportunity to dispose of their small WEEE and batteries. Each contribution triggers a charity donation, combining environmental action with social benefit. The pilot targets 1,000 citizens, with data collected on the amount of waste disposed of and consumer engagement assessed through surveys and feedback.
- Actors Involved: Erion, Poste Italiano
- Type of Incentives: Donation (charity), Bring/Collection points
Other Pilots Using This Incentives:
- Netherlands – Collection of Small WEEE and Batteries in Haarlem via a Recycling Truck (New); Learn More
- France – LaCollecte.tech (Ongoing): Learn More
- France – Recycler, c’est aider (Ongoing): Learn More
- Norway – No Redoit (Ongoing): Learn More
France – “Lacollecte.tech” (Ongoing)
LaCollecte.tech, launched in 2020 by Emmaüs Connect in collaboration with Ecologic and solidarity actors, aims to bridge the digital divide in France by collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing second-hand IT equipment to the 8 million people lacking digital access. The initiative involves 280 donor organizations and has collected 35,000 kg of WEEE, benefiting 13,500 families. Donors, motivated by CSR goals, tax deductions, and community support, donate functional IT equipment, which is refurbished and distributed at solidarity rates. A 2023 study highlighted significant social impacts, including improved digital access and professional integration for recipients. The initiative faces challenges from competition with recyclers profiting from IT WEEE.
- Actors Involved: Ecologic France
Emmaüs connect, Ateliers Sans Frontières - Type of Incentives: Other reward (indirect-monetary), Donation (charity), Other
France – Recycler, c’est aider (Ongoing)
The “Recycler, c’est aider” initiative by Ecologic, in partnership with AFM Téléthon, has been running annually from October to December since 2012, encouraging businesses to recycle their WEEE to support medical research. Over 11 years, the initiative has collected 900 tons of WEEE, resulting in €230,000 in donations. In 2023, the focus expanded to test different messaging strategies to better understand what motivates companies to participate. Companies can either use a GSM box for mobile phones or request a pick-up service for larger WEEE quantities, with donations tied to the amount collected. This initiative highlights the effective integration of environmental responsibility with charitable giving, demonstrating significant social and ecological benefits.
- Actors Involved: Ecologic France, AFM Téléthon
- Type of Incentives: Postal service, Pick-up service, Donation (charity), Other
Ireland – “Recycle for Good” (New)
The “Recycle for Good” pilot by WEEE Ireland, running since 2012, promotes battery recycling nationwide through a reward system benefiting LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. The initiative distributes Blue Battery boxes across various collection points, including schools participating in a competitive recycling campaign. Schools collect batteries to win sports vouchers, with a minimum of fifty kilograms required to qualify. The campaign has successfully integrated environmental awareness with charitable giving, significantly increasing battery recycling rates and raising substantial donations for LauraLynn. The program engages the public and schools through targeted communications and PR campaigns, involving various stakeholders to amplify its impact.
Actors Involved: WEEE Ireland, KMK Metals Recycling, MediaConsult
- Type of Incentives: Other reward (indirect-monetary), Bring/Collection points, Donation (charity), Contest/Raffle
Other Pilots Using This Incentives
- Greece – Recycle with a Click (New): Learn More
- Italy – Parcel Lockers (New): Learn More
- Germany – Donation (New): Learn More
- France – Je donnemontelephone (Ongoing): Learn More
- Ireland – Recycle for Good (Ongoing): Learn More
- Slovania – School Collections (Ongoing): Learn More