REUTILIZACIÓN DE PEQUEÑO APARATO ELÉCTRICO Y ELECTRÓNICO: OBSTÁCULOS Y BUENAS PRÁCTICAS

Abstract

Waste electrical and electronic equipment is one of the fastest growing waste categories in Europe, being its management regulated by Directive 2012/19/EU. This legal framework sets as a novelty, the prioritization of the preparation for reuse of this waste and its components, against other valorisation options. In the case of small electrical and electronic equipment, its preparation for reuse is not yet a reality nowadays. On the one hand, these products are not designed from the perspective of reuse, making it difficult their disassembly in recycling plants and the tasks of workers at them. On the other hand, there is no a widespread culture of reuse among consumers. From an in-depth analysis of the current situation of the reuse and the preparation for reuse of small electrical and electronic equipment from different perspectives (designers, consumers, managing waste plants, authorities, legislation, etc.), this study identifies the main barriers and proposes best practices to overcome them.