The Integrated Waste Management System (SIG) in Spain processes nearly 75% of the electrical household appliances disposed as waste. It may be considered as a role model for other countries including the U.S., U.K., and China.
Electronic waste. Credit photograph: Curtis Palmer
University of Salamanca conducted a study and found that many producers of electrical and electronic equipment avoided payment by not registering in the waste management system. Researchers have estimated that 90% of the manufacturers are not registered, and their evasion will cost about €15 million. Spaniards generated 13.86 kg of electronic waste per person in 2010, which totals up to 652 million kg. Under the SIG, 2.55 kg has been collected and processed.
Presently, ECOLEC, ECOLUM, ECO-RAEEs, ECOFIMATICA, ECOTIC, AMBILAMP and ECOASIMELEC are the seven SIGs in Spain. Companies like 'Indumental Recycling' were a role model as a pioneering agent in the development of waste management systems.
Most of the large electrical appliances, such as fridges, freezers, and others products such as televisions and screens are being collected and treated, but in an uncontrolled manner. Many manufacturers are not taking the responsibility, as it is not the law. The Ministry of Industry’s official register manages electronic waste (WIE-WEEE), but these manufacturers are not registered in them. Further, manufacturers who fulfill the legal framework and assume the recycling costs are found to be worse off economically.
When the first draft of the directive was drawn up by the European Union, the country brought together agents for collective deals related to WEEE recycling. But, differences existed within autonomous communities for project implementation.
The study experts highlighted the importance of reusing and repairing electronic products, so that disposal of these products is reduced.
Source: http://www.agenciasinc.es/
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