Majority of EU Residents Hoard Their Old Electronic Devices at Home
Europeans Prefer to Repurpose Electronic Devices, Eurostat Report Shows
A recent report by Eurostat reveals a significant trend in Europe: people are choosing to extend the life of their electronic and digital devices rather than discarding them.
The report indicates that in 2024, a large portion of Europeans kept their old mobile phones or smartphones at home, with 51% of individuals aged 16 to 74 doing so. Croatia and Romania stood out as countries where the highest number of people gave or sold their old laptops or tablets to someone else, with 29% and 18% of the population, respectively, engaging in this practice.
When it comes to desktop computers, 19% of people kept their old devices at home, while 9% gave or sold them to others. The highest number of people who passed on their old phone was reported in Croatia, with 34%, and the recycling rate for desktop computers increased to 15% in 2024.
Recycling was also a popular choice for those replacing their devices, with 11% of people in the EU recycling their old phones, laptops, or tablets. Interestingly, the highest number of people who recycled their old laptop or tablet was reported in Greece (20%) and Denmark (19%).
However, the report does not provide specific data on the number of people who recycled or passed on other electronic or digital devices besides mobile phones and smartphones.
In terms of waste management, the report shows that only 1% of people in the EU threw away their old laptops or tablets without recycling in 2024. On the other hand, 2% of people discarded their old desktop computers without recycling.
The European Union has made strides in e-waste collection, achieving a 40.1% collection rate in 2022. However, the data provided in the Eurostat report does not detail age groups or device types.
As the demand for electronic devices continues to grow, it is crucial to address the issue of e-waste and promote responsible disposal and recycling practices. Eurostat's report underscores the need for further research and initiatives to encourage the recycling and repurposing of electronic devices across Europe.
[1] European Commission (2022). European Union E-waste statistics. [2] Eurostat (2024). Household waste from electrical and electronic equipment. [3] United Nations University (2022). Global E-waste Monitor. [4] Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Forum (2024). WEEE Forum Annual Report. [5] Environment Agency (2024). Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) statistics for the United Kingdom.
While the Eurostat report focuses on repurposing and recycling of specific electronic devices, it's worth noting that environmental-science and technology intersect in this area. For instance, when people choose to keep or repurpose their old smartphones or desktops (as indicated in the report), they are participating in science through their everyday actions, with potential impacts on the environment. Furthermore, technology can play a significant role in improving e-waste management systems, facilitating easier recycling and repurposing of electronic devices across Europe.
