E-wasteSeven in ten Luxembourg residents hoard unused electronics, survey finds

Smartphones, screens, computers, and tablets–seven out of ten Luxembourg residents own one or more electronic devices they no longer use, many of which are still functional.

This finding comes from a recent survey conducted by the Environment Agency, which highlights a widespread tendency to hold onto unused electrical and electronic equipment.

The survey, detailed in a press release issued on Wednesday, identifies common items such as smartphones, computers, televisions, kitchen appliances, and hi-fi equipment. Many of these devices contain valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper. According to authorities, recovering these resources could significantly reduce the ecological footprint associated with their extraction.

In response to these findings, Ecotrel, a non-profit focussing on e-waste processing, will launch a campaign on Thursday to raise awareness about the “hoarding” of electronic devices. The initiative will provide advice on reducing waste and properly disposing of batteries and accumulators.

The following is an extract from the Environment Agency’s press release.

How can you avoid waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)?

• Buy fewer appliances: Share or borrow devices that are rarely used to reduce the demand for new resources.
• Repair your appliances: Take advantage of professional repair services, such as those offered on platforms like SuperDrecksKëscht®'s repair&share, or participate in local repair cafés. Some municipalities even offer a “repair bonus” to help cover repair costs.

What to do with waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)?

Residents looking to dispose of old electronic and electrical appliances have several options available to them:

• All types of appliances can be dropped off free of charge at resource centres. Additionally, reusable items may be handled through the ReUse social project, initiated by Ecotrel. This initiative aims to reintroduce functional appliances into use via social repair organisations such as Nei Aarbecht and Digital Inclusion ASBL.
• Small household electronics, including items like hairdryers and coffee machines, can also be handed in through the “SuperDrecksKëscht® fir Bierger” mobile collection service.
• For larger purchases, residents should note that major electronics retailers accept electrical and electronic waste, along with batteries. However, according to the survey, only 35% of residents are aware of this option.

What about batteries and accumulators?

The study highlights that many unused or discarded appliances still contain functioning batteries. Non-functional batteries can be dropped off at various locations, including resource centres, SuperDrecksKëscht® mobile collections, and numerous retail stores across the country.