By Alexander Uzcategui, Sustainability Coordinator at Worten
We live surrounded by technology. From small accessories that fit in the palm of your hand to the large appliances found in every home, each day we use electrical and electronic devices that make our lives easier, more practical, and more comfortable. But there is a side of the equation that we discuss less: what happens when these devices stop working or fall out of use?
The answer cannot involve discarding them in ordinary trash. The so-called WEEE – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment – results from a complex mix of materials that require specialized treatment. Within a single device coexist metals such as iron, steel, copper, and aluminum, but also valuable resources like gold, silver, or palladium. In addition, plastics, glass, batteries and even gases or liquids are part of the mix. If on one hand we find critical and reusable raw materials, on the other we deal with potentially dangerous substances that pose significant risks when released into the environment.
This is where recycling takes on a decisive role. Just think of a few examples: ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as the precious metals found in chips and circuits, can be recovered and reused in new devices, reducing the need to extract raw materials. Likewise, the plastic from casings and cables can also be used to create new products. Materials such as the glass from screens and monitors, which often contain lead or other toxic elements, require proper treatment to avoid contaminating soil and water. And in the case of batteries, which accumulate heavy metals such as lead, lithium, or cadmium, recycling is essential to prevent serious health risks and accidents such as fires or explosions.
The truth is that WEEE are not just waste. They are, at the same time, a source of valuable resources and a silent threat when they do not have the proper destination. Dumping a WEEE into mixed waste means letting these devices end up in landfills, incinerators, or abandoned in inappropriate locations, releasing toxic substances that enter ecosystems and that, in turn, can enter our food chain.
Proper recycling, on the other hand, yields benefits. In addition to protecting the environment by avoiding contamination of air, soil, and water, it helps conserve valuable resources. On average, recycling correctly saves 60% to 95% of the energy and 40% to 90% of the water that would be needed to produce the same metal from virgin raw materials. Moreover, when treated by certified entities, these wastes cease to pose a risk and become part of a sustainable cycle.
But this responsibility does not fall solely on consumers. The brands that manufacture and market these devices also have a central role to play in ensuring that accessible collection solutions exist, communicating clearly about the destination for each end-of-life product, and investing in partnerships with certified entities that guarantee proper treatment of the waste. Taking on this responsibility is part of the commitment to customers and society, ensuring that the product life cycle ends in a safe and responsible manner. And for consumers, the process is very simple and free of charge: when you receive a new large or medium-sized appliance, you can hand in the old one, which will be sent to the certified entity responsible for its proper treatment and subsequent recycling. Small WEEE can be handed in directly at the store, to be properly directed and recycled.
In the European Union, the target is clear: to collect 65% of the average weight of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market in the last three years. In Portugal, however, we are still far from reaching that objective, with collection rates below 30%. This is a challenge that cannot be ignored. It is up to all of us – citizens, companies, and institutions – to contribute so that each device is directed and recycled correctly. The good news? Contributing to the circular economy is a simple, free-of-charge gesture with enormous positive impact.
