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Electronic waste, "e-waste" or "Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment" ("WEEE") is a waste type consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic appliance. more...

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It is a point of concern considering that many components of such equipment are considered toxic.

Definition of electronic waste

Electronic waste includes computers, entertainment electronics, mobile phones and other items that have been discarded by their original users. While there is no generally accepted definition of electronic waste, in most cases electronic waste consists of expensive and more or less durable products used for data processing, telecommunications or entertainment in private households and businesses. Despite its common classification as a waste, disposed of electronics are a considerable category of secondary resource due to their significant suitability for direct reuse (for example, many fully functional computers and components are discarded during upgrades), refurbishing, and material recycling of its constituent raw materials (listed below). Reconceptualization of electronic waste as a resource thus preempts its potentially hazardous qualities.

In 1991 the first electronic waste recycling system was implemented in Switzerland beginning with the collection of refrigerators. Over the years, all other electric and electronic devices were gradually added to the system. Legislation followed in 1998 and since January 2005 it has been possible to return all electronic waste to the sales points and other collection points free of charge. There are two established PROs (Producer Responsibility Organisations): SWICO mainly handling electronic waste and SENS mainly responsible for electrical appliances. The total amount of recycled electronic waste exceeds 10 kg per capita per year.

The European Union is implementing a similar system described in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE). By the end of 2006 – and with one or two years' delay for the new EU members – every country has to recycle at least 4 kg of e-waste per capita.

Definition of electronic waste according to the WEEE directive:

Large household appliances (ovens, refrigerators etc.)
Small household appliances (toasters, vacuum cleaners etc.)
Office & communication (PCs, printers, phones, faxes etc.)
Entertainment electronics (TVs, HiFis, portable CD players etc.)
Lighting equipment (mainly fluorescent tubes)
E-tools (drilling machines, electric lawnmowers etc.)
Sports & leisure equipment (electronic toys, training machines etc.)
Medical appliances and instruments
Surveillance equipment
Automatic issuing systems (ticket issuing machines etc.)

Problems caused by electronic waste

Electronic waste is both valuable as source for secondary raw material, and toxic if treated and discarded improperly. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. Technical solutions are available but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied.