How long have you had an old mobile phone tucked away in a drawer or a small broken appliance forgotten in the cupboard? These are just a few examples of electrical and electronic equipment that, when no longer in use, do not always receive the most appropriate destination.
Today marks International E-Waste Day; for this reason, DECO PROteste reminds that these wastes require specific care. In addition to containing valuable materials that can be recovered and reused, some devices include hazardous substances that, when not properly treated, can pose risks to the environment.
But sustainability does not begin with recycling alone. Extending the life of equipment, opting for repair, and avoiding unnecessary substitutions are also ways to reduce waste production. To help consumers adopt more sustainable habits, DECO PROteste has gathered five steps to consider when deciding the destination of electrical and electronic equipment.
- Evaluate whether you really need to replace the equipment
Before buying a new mobile phone, computer, or appliance, evaluate the state of the current equipment and consider whether replacement is really necessary. Whenever possible, favour durable products and avoid replacing devices that continue to function only because newer models exist. Prolonging the life of equipment helps reduce waste production and the consumption of raw materials.
- Prefer repair over replacement
A faulty device does not always mean that its life has ended. Before replacing it, check whether it can be repaired and compare the costs of repair with those of a new device. Even after the end of the warranty, you can contact the manufacturer or resort to specialized services. The Repair Cafés, spaces where volunteers help to carry out small repairs, are also an alternative to recover equipment and avoid waste.
- Give a second life to equipment that still works
If you no longer need a device, but it remains in good condition, consider selling it at a second-hand store or donating it to a social solidarity institution. Some organizations even arrange home collection of the devices. This way, you prevent functional equipment from becoming waste prematurely and allow them to continue to be used by others. For mobile phones and computers, don’t forget to make a copy of important files and erase personal data before handing it over.
- Take advantage of purchasing a new device to hand in the old one
When a device can no longer be recovered, you can drop it off for free at the store where you buy a new equivalent device. For large appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines, you can request the old device to be collected when the new one is delivered. Some large supermarkets also provide collection points for small electrical and electronic equipment, without the need to make a purchase.
- Direct the equipment to the appropriate collection points
If it is not possible to repair or reuse the equipment, recycling should be the next step. Mobile phones, chargers, toasters and other electrical and electronic devices should not be placed in general waste, in packaging recycling points, or abandoned next to the containers.
These wastes must be delivered to ecocenters or specific collection points, provided by entities such as Electrão, ERP Portugal and E-Cycle. Some supermarkets and shopping centers also have their own dedicated containers. To find the nearest delivery location, consult platforms such as Where to Recycle and Eu Reciclo.
On this International E-Waste Day, DECO PROteste reminds that responsible management of electronic waste begins before devices reach the end of their useful life. These five steps help reduce waste, recover valuable materials and reduce the need to extract new natural resources. After all, a device that no longer serves one person can still gain a second life or be transformed into raw material for new products.
