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EVALUATION OF THE ELECTROWASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN POLAND

Barbara Białecka

Abstract

Management of used electrical and electronic waste is a huge problem both on a local and global scale. The mass of collected electrowaste in Poland currently reaches approximately 5 kg per one inhabitant, and by 2021 it is to increase to 11 kg. According to estimates, only ca 30-40% of used electrical and electronic equipment in Poland is subjected to recycling. The rest is dumped at scrap yards or is illegally processed in the grey zone. Its considerable part is not processed in accordance with the standards and is thrown into bins. In the article the statistics of used electrical and electronic equipment collection in European Union and in Poland in the last 10 years has been presented. Relevant legal acts in force have been discussed and possibilities of achieving the projected levels of recovery have been analysed. The necessary and sufficient conditions for increasing the level of collection, including cultural factors, good practices in the management of used electrical and electronic management, educational campaigns as well as available techniques and technologies of its proper processing have been discussed. In Polish society good practices in the area of used electrical and electronic equipment management are not well rooted. Despite large-scale ecological education and a number of informative campaigns, used electrical and electronic equipment is frequently disposed of together with another waste. The dynamically changing law poses another problem for entrepreneurs, who constantly have to adjust to new requirements. In many cases this leads to irregularities and breach of regulations. Improper management of used electrical and electronic equipment results in environmental pollution as well as hazard to human and animal health and life. It is also worth remembering that used electrical and electronic equipment is not only waste, but also a source of valuable resources. Appropriate processing of used electrical and electronic equipment can limit the exploitation of minerals, and, in consequence, interference in natural environment. Such behaviour is included in the idea of sustainable development, which ensures satisfaction of current generations? needs without affecting the satisfaction of the needs of future generations.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgem2018/4.2/s18.010

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