TALLINN, estonia – Estonian ‍households are accumulating⁣ a growing stockpile of discarded electronics – from phone chargers to ⁢toasters – hindering the nation’s ability to meet ⁤European Union recycling goals.⁢ Despite EU targets requiring 65% of small electronics to be‌ recycled, Estonia currently manages to recover only about ⁢a quarter of what’s purchased, according to ‍officials.

Piret Otsason, head⁤ of extended producer obligation and hazardous waste ‍at the ‍Ministry⁢ of Climate, ⁢explained that a significant portion of these devices aren’t‍ properly disposed of. “Studies show that ​many small household electronics – ⁤cables and‍ chargers, but also toasters, blowdryers and power banks – ⁤often sit unused ‌at home before eventually being thrown into regular trash,” she ⁤said.

Recent data indicates that electronic waste currently comprises just 0.9% of Estonia’s mixed municipal waste, translating ⁤to roughly 3,000-6,800 metric tons annually. Otsason emphasized⁢ that recovering this waste from general trash could dramatically improve collection rates.

“If we could recover electronic⁢ waste from mixed waste, our collection target for small electronics would almost be ​met,” Otsason stated.
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Though, the potential for successful recycling is present. Kaur Kuurme, head of OÜ Eesti Elektroonikaromu, highlighted the inherent value within these discarded devices. “All devices contain​ valuable materials in one form or another,” he said. “The system works by disassembling each device so that plastics, metals, batteries and accumulators are separated and sent back ⁤into circulation⁣ in the metal⁤ industry, ‍plastics industry and so on.”

Kuurme stressed the economic and environmental benefits of proper recycling. The most irrational⁤ thing‌ is simply sending it to ⁢mixed⁢ municipal waste,where it ends up in a landfill or incinerator. He explained that these materials are valuable and can be repurposed, reducing the need for virgin resources.

Otsason ⁢noted⁢ that while larger electronics like laptops and‌ mobile phones are ⁣often stored⁢ for extended periods, delaying their return for recycling diminishes their potential for reuse. “But if we keep them in our drawers at⁣ home for about ten years,⁣ and do nothing, they’ll ‍eventually become waste and can no longer be reused,”‍ she warned.

Convenience is Key to Boosting⁣ Recycling Rates

Both Otsason and Kuurme agree that a lack of‍ awareness and⁤ accessibility are major contributors to the low recycling rates. They emphasize that recycling centers offer free ⁢disposal,and larger electronics⁤ retailers are legally obligated to accept used electronics.

This year’s World Cleanup Day campaign is specifically focused on small electronics,⁤ with​ collection boxes available ⁣in larger stores through September 20. Campaign leader Elike ⁣Saviorg‌ underscored‍ the importance of making recycling convenient for consumers.

“Recycling centers can sometimes be in hard-to-reach locations that ⁢require a‍ special trip, but‌ most people visit larger stores several times a week,”​ Saviorg explained. “The idea is that small electronics can be returned either to stores ⁣participating in the campaign ⁢or to stores that sell electronics ⁤themselves.” She confirmed that collection boxes are already ⁣widely⁢ available in major retail locations.

Disclaimer: This article ‌provides information about recycling practices and‌ does not constitute environmental or legal advice. Please consult ⁣with local authorities for specific⁢ regulations and⁤ guidelines.