What do we see?
Between 2010 and 2019, the OOM/POM ratio experienced an upward trend. In 2010 this ratio was 47%, but by 2019 it had already grown to 50%, the highest estimated value for the whole period. However, these figures only apply to the evolution of the total mass of EEE. Within this group there are significant differences between the various product groups. Consumer electronics in particular are collected very efficiently, with an OOM/POM ratio of 90% in 2019. This product group reached a peak in 2011 when 100% was collected, but then decreased again between 2013 and 2018, when a minimum of 80% was reported.
What’s the aim?
According to the WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive, we need to aim for the following: “the minimum collection rate to be achieved annually shall be 65% of the average weight of EEE placed on the market in the three preceding years in the Member State concerned, or alternatively 85% of WEEE generated on the territory of that Member State.” The directive promotes the collection and recovery of EEE products in order to minimise the amount of material like EEE that is either thrown away or exported to other countries. In addition, it also aims to promote the recovery of materials. With a ratio of 50% in 2019, Flanders is currently not meeting the target, so additional work and improvements are needed. However, we also need to take into account the fact that the data for this indicator is limited to the figures from Recupel. Informal collection and recycling systems are not included in this study. Furthermore, 30% of EEE is not traceable.
What does this indicator measure?
This indicator shows how much EEE is taken out of the market (OOM) compared to the amount of new EEE that is put on the market (POM) in the three years before. The indicator is only based on data provided by Recupel. We therefore need to take into account the fact that other collection and recycling systems are not included in the analysis.
