Romania has managed to collect and recycle less than 20% of all electrical and electronic waste in recent years, being at the bottom of a European ranking on electronics recycling. Spain and Cyprus have registered similar recycling rates.

On the other hand, Sweden and Norway topped the ranking, with a rate of some 85%, according to a study conducted by the United Nations and Interpol, cited by Reuters.

Overall, 35% of Europe’s electronic waste was properly recycled in 2012. European rules require recycling of "e-waste", products with a plug or a battery, to recover metals such as gold or silver and avoid release of toxins.

The report does not agree with the theory that most of the “e-waste” is being illegally shipped to African nations and repaired. According to Jaco Huisman, United Nations University, “most of the illegal e-waste trade is taking place next door rather than far away in Africa". There is a lot of theft and scavenging in Europe while a large amount goes into the waste bin.

Only 3.3 million tonnes of the 9.5 million tonnes of e-waste generated in Europe in 2012 were properly discarded and recycled, 1.3 million tonnes were exported, and the rest was recycled in Europe outside regular programs or dumped, reports Reuters.

One of the problems is that people don’t know where to find the recycling centers.

EU Commissioner: Romania can reach its target on waste recycling

Municipal waste recycling places Romania last in the EU

Waste theft undermines selective recycling in Romania

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com