Project Summary

THE ISSUE Electronic waste (eWASTE) is growing much faster than regular waste stream, and EU has the highest per-capita rate of eWASTE production, while, from 2019, Directive establish a collection rate of 65% of all eWASTE placed on the market in the preceding 3 years. However, many countries haven't been able to meet this goal. In the ADRION region, only Croatia has achieved the 65% target while Italy, Greece, and Slovenia are bottom 5 of EU, only managing to collect 30% to 40% of their eWASTE. Unofficial data suggests that countries in the IPA (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance) region are even worse off. One additional risk affecting ADRION is the illegal shipping of eWASTE. In 2021, a review by the EU Court of Auditors found that there were 99 illegal shipments of eWASTE within the EU. ADRION countries are hit particularly hard, with three EU countries reporting violations of shipping rules and illegal dumping sites (299 just in Italy) in the last 5 years. Since IPA countries are not closely monitored or covered by regulations, they are at an even greater risk than EU member states. The illegal shipping of eWASTE needs a coordinated approach across borders, especially in the ADRION area where disparities between regulation are still very strong. This situation facilitates frequent cases of illegal management of eWASTE, posing serious environmental risks, especially in terms of getting rid of harmful substances. It often happens that electrical and electronic waste, once stripped of its most valuable components, is illegally dumped with no regard for toxic substances. THE OPPORTUNITY On average, for every 1,000 tonnes of eWASTE processed, there are about 70 job opportunities. This number increases by 20% for collection and 15% for reselling. For instance, according to the US Coalition for American Electronics Recycling, 245 jobs are created for every 1,000 tonnes. If the eWASTE currently being abroad EU were processed within EU member states instead, it could create more than 4,000 new jobs. Additionally, considering the eWASTE within the EU that hasn't been recovered yet (over 1 million tonnes), it could potentially generate more than 60,000 new job opportunities. OBJECTIVE The goal of CircleWaste is to support the long-term sustainability of businesses that add economic, environmental and social value to the Waste from Electronic and Electric Equipment (eWASTE), by providing businesses with a consistent source of eWASTE for their circular model, ensuring a continuous cycle of use and reuse. CONSORTIUM A group of 12 partners from 8 ADRION countries will collaborate to develop collective solutions aimed at boosting eWASTE businesses in the region. Some main outputs will be the Transnational Strategy for promotion of eWASTE circular economy in the Adrion region, and its implementation into a Territorial Action Plans (TAPs). These will support the consortium in the implementation of pilot actions which will test 3 innovative solutions, which will then be expanded on a larger scale by the consortium: