How Switzerland Dealt With Mounting E-Waste Challenge?

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Switzerland has evolved as a role model to other world countries in tackling growing e-waste. The country has achieved dramatic progress in e-waste recycling through its unique collection system. The innovative and convenient voluntary take-back system has been the main driver of the success.

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According to estimates, Switzerland is one of the largest producers of electronic waste in the region. The country charges additional levy from customers on electronic products at the time of purchase. The collection service is entirely free. The take-back system allows customers to discard their end-of-life electronics items at any of the dedicated recycling collection point or any electronic retailer throughout the country. The country collected approximately 130,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2017. Also, the number of collectors increased significantly from 42 to 568 over the prior year.

Meantime, the Swiss system too faces certain challenges. First and foremost is with respect to recycling of dangerous components including lithium-ion batteries. The processing of materials that cannot be recycled presents additional challenge. The country follows strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure that discarded e-waste are not illegally exported to developing countries.

The country has been actively involved in replicating the environment-friendly e-waste disposal practices in other parts of the world, especially in developing countries such as Peru, Colombia and Egypt.