Greece – Recycle it with a Click!

The “Recycle it with a Click!” pilot by Appliances Recycling S.A. 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. 

Incentives – strategies: Postal services, Other reward (indirect-monetary), Bring/Collection points, Donation (Charity)

Actors Involved: Appliances Recycling S.A., Environmental Ministry of Greece, Courier Company ACS, Re-use & Treatment Operators XERMES and Transportations Operators, Online Retailer (U – YOU).

Italy – Visible fee

The “Visible fee” pilot spearheaded by Erion (ECO), aims to inform consumers on the significance of the eco-contributions for all small and IT appliances and portable batteries. This initiative involves setting up information desks at two MediaWorld retail shops. Through active engagement with customers and utilizing questionnaires to gauge their understanding, the pilot seeks to increase awareness about environmental contributions while mitigating consumer perceptions of it as an extra cost.

Incentives – Strategies: Visible Fee

Actors Involved: Erion, Media World

Ireland – Visible fee

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.

Consumers are rewarded with a monetary compensation for returning their UEEE/WEEE or waste batteries. Retailers are rewarded with a monetary compensation for returning the collected UEEE/WEEE or waste batteries to collection systems.

Romania –Bring your old mobile/tablet/laptop to Altex

• 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

• 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.

Consumers are rewarded with a participation to a contest or raffle, by bringing their UEEE/WEEE or batteries.

Germany – Donation, Raffle, 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.

Dedicated containers/locations part of a collection system where the consumers bring their UEEE/WEEE or waste battery to be handed over. The collection points can be permanent or temporary.

Portugal – Vapes collection

• 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 – Mobile collection

• 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.

Consumers are given other type of reward for returning their UEEE/WEEE or waste batteries. Examples: exchange devices or vouchers, coupons, redeem points, discounts with no direct monetary value.

Germany – Donation, Raffle, 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.

– Direct donation of UEEE to a charity after undertaking testing, repair, refurbishment activities.
– Indirect donation where the quantity of UEEE/WEEE or waste battery collected, is turned into money that is donated to a charity.

France – “Lacollecte.tech”

• 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.

France – “AFM Telethon”

• 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.

Ireland – “Recycle for good”

• 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.

Consumers send their UEEE/WEEE to collection systems via postal service (including door-to-door). Retailers send the collected UEEE/WEEE to collection systems via postal service.

France – “je donne mon telephone”

• 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.

WEEE are collected at the place where the consumer or organization requires to hand over.

Belgium – “Pick-up”

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.

Norway – “Redoit”

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.

Dedicated containers/locations part of a collection system where the consumers bring their UEEE/WEEE or waste battery to be handed over. The collection points can be permanent or temporary.

Switzerland – Be a vape recycler

• 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.

Slovenia – “Mobile collector”

• 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.

Slovenia – “Street containers”

• 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.

Consumers are given other type of reward for returning their UEEE/WEEE or waste batteries. Examples: exchange devices or vouchers, coupons, redeem points, discounts with no direct monetary value.

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. Despite some challenges, such as limited participation and quality control, the initiative supports sustainable waste management, extends the lifespan of devices, and engages the community in environmental conservation efforts.

Consumers are rewarded with a participation to a contest or raffle, by bringing their UEEE/WEEE or batteries.

Slovenia – “School competition”

• 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.

Other types of incentives that motivate and attract consumers to return their UEEE/WEEE or battery (e.g.secure deletion of personal data).

Italy – Parcel lockers

• The “Parcel Locker” pilot by Erion (ECO) 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.