E-waste is among the fastest-growing waste streams. Ecologica Bulgaria is active in e-waste collection and recycling with a national coverage of activities.
E-waste is among the fastest-growing waste streams. The toxic materials in electronics, like mercury and lead, can harm people and the environment. The problem of electronic and electrical (EEE) waste is going to grow taking into account the rapid changes in technology, increased consumption and more consumers generating e-waste, much of which is still operational. As newer phone models and other upgraded products are flooding the market, the remainder end up in landfills. The e-waste contains precious metals, copper, beryllium, zinc, and many more natural valuable resources. With its activities and services Ecologica Bulgaria Ltd is contributing to sustainable management of e-waste. The company services include:
• Recycling of e-waste from the corporate and public sector;
• Increasingly intensive e-waste service by home users;
• Creating curricula to strengthen technological competence and environmental culture for schools and start-ups;
• Consultations for businesses to improve the sustainability of their business and strengthen environmental responsibility;
• Trainings and consultations on the rules and good practices in e-waste management;
• Monthly information bulletin for compliance on legal requirements.
To collect the e-waste the company is using several channels like own transport means picking up the e-waste from the clients, special events or clients deliver directly to he recycling center. Well developed information system allows the proper e-waste flow ma
Resources needed
The initial investment made by the company is mainly in machines and equipment for separation of electrical and electronic parts – around 100 000 Euro. The key personal of the company consists of 7 people experts in logistics, ICT, business development and client service and workers.
Evidence of success
Sustainable waste management practices are helping the municipalities responsible for waste management and landfill to reduce the waste dropped on the landfill. Customer base, both public and private is constantly growing. 15 500 requests for e-waste collection are. More than 4300 tones e-waste is recycled including computers, monitors, printers.
Difficulties encountered
The challenges facing the companies and municipalities in e-waste management include: an absence of infrastructure for appropriate waste management and absence of framework for end-of-life (EoL) product take-back or implementation of extended producer responsibilities.
Potential for learning or transfer
The experience in developing appropriate e-waste management business model is good achievement that can be shared with other regions. E-waste is generated everywhere in Europe. Good management is not matter of financial resources, than human resources and smart planning and implementation of appropriate measures for every different e-waste stream, different urban areas, and different neighborhoods. Good communication with the authorities, citizens and business helps to achieve good results.
Tags: Recycling, Waste, Circular economy
