EERA Report Warns of Escalated E-Waste Scavenging Across Europe

The value of scavenged materials totalled approximately €151 million during the previous year.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The European Electronics Recyclers Association (EERA), in its latest publication, highlighted the harmful impacts caused by scavenging of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) across the European countries. Incidentally, e-waste scavenging refers to e-waste or components that are stolen or misappropriated for financial gain.

According to EERA report findings based on the data provided by member companies and other EU recyclers, the value of scavenged materials totalled approximately €151 million during the previous year. It noted that such activities not only lead to financial losses to compliance schemes and recycling companies, but also generates huge negative impact on the environment. For instance, the scavenging og large household appliances such as refrigerators causes emission of ozone depleting substances.

The report recommends making the EN 50625-4 on Collection and Logistics mandatory to all EU member countries. Further, it calls for establishment of a central observatory to monitor scavenging. Also, it suggests effective steps of action to raise awareness on the importance of quality in collection.

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