What do we see?
The amount of EEE goods that were collected for reuse between 2010 and 2019 varies between a low of 17.5kt in 2018 and a peak of 20kt in 2013. In 2019, 19kt were collected, which represents a slight increase compared to 2015. However, the amount of EEE that gets sold has remained fairly stable over the years, with values ranging from 1.5 to 2.5kt. The year 2013 was also the exception here: that year, more than 3kt of EEE goods were sold. In 2019, sales totalled 2kt, which equates to just 12% of the total amount of EEE collected in Flanders. The sales figures for these kinds of products are so low because they are often damaged and because a guarantee about how long the device will continue to function needs to be provided during resale.
What’s the aim?
In a circular economy, reuse is a crucial strategy: it extends the lifespan of products and materials so that they can be used for as long as possible. In addition, it also helps prevent products and materials being prematurely processed into waste. However, when it comes to the reuse of EEE, we are facing a challenge given that these goods are easily damaged and that there are requirements around quality and guaranteed lifespan during resale. In addition, there is also a lot of scepticism about the lifespan and quality of these devices. Possible alternatives are repair, refurbishment and, if the damage is too great, recycling. At the same time, we also need to watch out for unwanted rebound effects that can result in more consumer goods being used to meet the same needs. This goes completely against the objectives of a more circular economy.
What does this indicator measure?
This indicator shows how much EEE is collected and sold by De Kringwinkel and is expressed in kilotonnes. The data was provided by OVAM.
