Do you have unnecessary or used electrical and electronic equipment at home, such as old mobile phones, chargers or household appliances? This is so-called electronic waste, which under no circumstances should you throw into the mixed waste container. Learn how to properly segregate electronic waste - for the safety of the environment and people, to avoid high fines and to clear debris from interiors.
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What items are considered electronic waste?
Electronic waste (abbreviated as WEEE) is used electronic and electrical equipment – regardless of type, size, year of manufacture or efficiency. This category includes all electrical and electronic devices that require mains, battery or accumulator power, both damaged and still functional, but for some reason no longer needed.
These include used fluorescent lamps, LED light bulbs and luminaires , large and small household appliances, portable gadgets, computers and laptops, power tools , mains chargers, cables and wires , batteries and accumulators, calculators and many other items.
It is worth knowing that electronic waste does NOT include CDs and DVDs. We can safely dispose of them in the yellow container for metals and plastics.
Can electronic waste be thrown into a regular bin?
We have already included the answer to this question in the introduction. No, you cannot throw electronic waste into regular bins, just like mixed waste. Of course, it is also forbidden to take electronic waste to forests, empty areas or abandon it by local containers.
Failure to follow the rules for proper segregation of electronic waste is highly harmful. There is a risk of highly toxic substances being released into the natural environment. In addition, such conduct is punishable by a fine of up to PLN 5,000!
Where should I dispose of electronic waste?
- We dispose of electronic waste free of charge at designated electronic waste collection points and at Municipal Selective Waste Collection Points (PSZOK).
- In the case of large-sized devices, we can use the free home collection service.
- We will also leave old electrical or electronic equipment in an RTV/AGD store when buying a new device of the same type and performing the same functions. The seller is obliged to accept one used model from us in exchange for the purchase of one new one.
- Small electronic waste is accepted by various institutions and large stores. Specially marked containers are often located just outside the entrance door.
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Mobile WEEE collections are held periodically in municipalities. A special vehicle adapted to collect electronic waste ensures its free collection from households according to an established schedule. - Special containers for electronic waste of specific dimensions are placed in municipalities.
In search of the nearest point where we can legally dispose of unnecessary electrical and electronic equipment, it is worth visiting the official website of your commune. The necessary information can be found in the tab dedicated to waste management.
Remember that properly disposed of electronic waste is recyclable. It goes to specialized plants where it undergoes recycling processes. The recovered raw materials can therefore be used to produce new electrical and electronic devices.
How to properly sort electronic waste?
| Type of electronic waste | Rules of conduct |
|---|---|
| Batteries |
|
| Small and medium electrical and electronic equipment |
|
| Large household appliances/consumer electronics |
|