Follow us

From trash to treasure: the hidden value of e-waste in our homes

Campaigns 13 Oct 2024

Brussels, 14 October 2024 - Old, inefficient home appliances often get tucked away in drawers, cupboards, garages, or basements, forgotten and unused. Yet, these appliances are treasure troves of valuable raw materials, many of which sourced from remote and scarce locations. By recycling them, we can reintegrate these materials into the economy and help conserve our planet's precious natural resources. 

From trash to treasure

According to the latest UN’s General E-Waste Monitor, 62 billion kg of e-waste were generated globally in 2022. To put numbers in perspective, that’s enough waste to fill 1.55 million trucks lined up around the Earth’s equator. Yet, the quantity of e-waste is expected to rise to 82 billion kg by 2030. Currently, the amount of e-waste is growing five times faster than formal recycling collection rates since 2010.

Novel statistics on hoarding of used electrical and electronic devices stored in EU homes show that households own an average of 74 items, of which 61 are in use, nine are hoarded but working, and four are hoarded and not working. 

Neglected, broken, or simply forgotten appliances often fly under the radar when it comes to electronic waste disposal. But, home appliance waste is made of components that contain valuable raw materials. For example, the plastics extracted from these appliances can be reprocessed to create parts for new products or everyday items like storage bins, containers, and flower pots. Similarly, extracted metals can be reused as construction materials, electronic devices, industrial components and even turned into a beautiful piece of art, helping to conserve resources.

 

Download APPLiA's Guidebook

 

How to do your part 

To tackle this growing issue, it’s essential to know how to recycle e-waste properly: 

Large appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and air conditioners can be collected directly by the store delivering your new appliances, thanks to manufacturer-financed take-back schemes. This ensures that old, inefficient appliances are properly handled and recycled. 

Small appliances, like coffee machines, toothbrushes, and toasters instead can be brought to container parks, retail stores, or even some supermarkets. These collection networks ensure that e-waste is properly stored and sent to recycling facilities, where valuable materials are recovered and repurposed.

“By correctly recycling e-waste, we are unlocking a vast reservoir of materials that can be given a second life through reusing or recycling. Every small step in our everyday life makes a significant difference - said APPLiA’s Senior Environment Policy Director Korrina Hegarty, in a dedicated video on the reasons why we need to do a much better job at recycling e-waste. [Watch it now]

Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies that are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. By accepting this OR scrolling this page OR continuing to browse, you agree to our privacy policy.