On 5 August, STATEC published the results of the survey regarding the use of the internet by households and individuals in 2024.
In an updated infographic, they illustrate the treatment of electronic gadgets such as phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop screens once they’re no longer used. The institute explains that once a device is disposed of it is usually done through local recycling or electronic waste collection centres.
Last June, our colleagues from RTL Infos went behind the scenes of Luxembourg’s foremost waste management company PreZero Lamesch to find out if disposed gadgets are indeed recycled or not.
Andy Maxant, CEO of both national non-profit organisations Ecotrel and Ecobatterien, tasked with the managing and funding the processing of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, confirmed that while it is not possible to systematically recycle each piece to full capacity, recycling rates in Luxembourg actually often even surpass legal requirements.
Within that scheme, electronic gadgets such as mobile phones and screens rank among the most recyclable equipment in 2024 at 85,55% for phones (55% imposed), and 91,9% for screens (70% imposed).
However, STATEC’s most recent report shows that, over the years, Luxembourgish individuals persistently tend not to recycle their used electronics at all.
As shown by the institute’s latest two reports, people overwhelmingly prefer to keep their old gadgets with only 14% of the polled demographic choosing to recycle their old phones, 17% to do so with old laptops and tablets, and 26% for old PC’s.
A deciding 66% of individuals choose to keep their old phones, 18% choose to give away or sell them. 2% just end up tossing them in the bin.
STATEC notes that people aged 16–27 are particularly prone to keep their old phones at 73%, in contrast to 62% of people aged 65–74.
But while opinions divide on how to best get rid of old electronics, both young and old prioritise advantageous prices (64%), and storage capacity and speed (49%), closely followed by brand and design (48%) when looking to purchase new gadgets.
Energy efficiency factors in on 4th place at 26%, followed by ecodesign at 11%, the gadget’s lifespan at 10%, and lastly its take-back program at 7%.
