Electrical equipment management

Why it is subject to specific legislation

Directive 2002/96/EC, published in 2003, was the first document on the management of used electrical equipment. The European Union has taken a closer look at this waste because it is linked to three very important factors from an environmental point of view:

Quantity

The growth of this waste worldwide has been rampant due to the development of technology and high consumption.

Hazards

Electrical equipment contains toxic materials which, at the end of their life, have negative effects on the environment and human health if incorrectly disposed of or dismantled.

Conservation of resources

If electrical equipment is not recycled, the materials in its composition are wasted and new, essential, virgin raw materials need to be extracted. This activity has a major impact on nature and contributes to the scarcity of materials.

It was necessary to establish specific legislation and a separate waste management system for used electrical equipment.

This legislation requires producers to implement measures that promote the reuse, repair and recycling of the waste from the products they place on the market and, thus, a more sustainable management of the life cycle and afterlife of these devices.

In 2005, 60 producers of used electrical equipment came together to create the first management entity for this waste stream in Portugal - Electrão.

How the used electrical equipment management system works

Learn about each stage

Transfer of Responsibility

For the end-of-life management of the equipment placed on the market

By paying an EPR fee, electrical equipment producers can transfer their responsibility for the end-of-life management of the products they place on the market to Electrão.

Communication and Awareness-raising

On the correct disposal of waste

Recycling and proper waste management are only possible if consumers place used electrical equipment in the correct recycling bins so that it can be recycled. To this end, Electrão runs various communication and awareness-raising campaigns to publicise delivery solutions and the importance of this action for the future of the planet.

Collection and Treatment Network

Electrão is responsible for organising a collection network

And ensuring that electrical equipment is correctly treated and recycled. The Electrão network currently has thousands of collection sites available throughout the country, such as fire stations, schools and stores.
Collection, transport and storage are carried out by carefully selected partners, as are the preparation, dismantling and treatment of equipment for recycling.

Liaising with Operational Partners

To ensure the correct treatment of waste

In addition to the collection network and the management of the process between delivery sites and the transformation of electrical equipment into raw materials for new products, Electrão is responsible for ensuring that its treatment partners properly treat and decontaminate electrical equipment so that the hazardous substances that make up these devices are disposed of safely.

The importance of treatment and recycling

Whilst electrical equipment is currently one of our greatest allies, it is also becoming one of the planet's biggest nightmares. This waste is one of the fastest growing worldwide, as well as one of the most dangerous and that requires the most materials to produce.

When equipment reaches the end of its useful life, recycling is the only solution.

Used electrical equipment is handed over to a management entity, starting a cycle that will ensure that it is diverted from the environment, correctly depolluted and treated.

The toxic components it contains are safely removed in specialised units using specific equipment.

The negative effects it could have on the environment and human health are mitigated.

The raw materials in its composition, such as lithium or titanium, are reused in the manufacture of new products, contributing to the ecological transition and a more circular economy.