On the topic of recycling electronic waste in the Czech Republic we talked with the director of collective REMA system, Mr. Peter Kubernátem.
Collective take-back systems for electro-operate with us since 2005. How to address the issue of WEEE prior to this year?
Before 2005 came into force of an amendment to the Waste Act, one did not address this issue. Or rather, no one was responsible for it. In this area, therefore not rule any rules and electrical ended in the overwhelming majority of cases in landfills and incinerators, which of course meant a big burden on the environment. After the amendment in 2005 passed the responsibility on manufacturers and importers who have their appliances to take care and end-of-life. To the vast majority do in collective systems.
What Czechs have access to the sort of electro?
Czechs sort elektroodpad gradually learn. From 2005 to 2009 there was a marked increase in the amount of WEEE cast. In recent years the number of sorted e-waste has stagnated at about the same level, but this is rather a consequence of the current economic crisis. Since 2006, in any case increase the quantity of delivered electrical waste per person from 2 kg per year to the current 5 kilograms. Two-thirds of e-waste every year but end up in municipal waste.
Czechs who WEEE responsibly class, it is still not enough. It is about a third of the population. Many people do not realize that in electroconsumers often found mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead, phthalates, PVC and other dangerous substances. If these substances end up in a landfill, they can seriously harm the environment. A find of course those who not sorted, because they believe that it is "well everything will ride in a heap." And some just waiting for someone to do it for them.
You can compare how you in sorting and recycling of WEEE stand compared to the rest of Europe?
In retrospect recycling station is within the European Union in the middle. Better level as the Nordic countries, where sorting began much earlier and the local population has a different nature. For example, significantly lagging behind neighboring Austria. By contrast, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary are worse off.
The network of WEEE take back with us began to build in 2005. As we progressed since then?
Today, the Czech Republic, there are tens of thousands of collection points where people can deliver WEEE free of charge. This is an electrical appliance store, collection points and many other places. Sorting electronic waste is always easier. Since 2008, we have gradually started a project "Green School", "Green Company" and "green community", which we try to bring people to the possibility of electronic waste separation in places where they work, study or where to move normally. In 2011, we then launched a unique project, "Be lazy". In this framework, people can leave elektroodpad free ride from the comfort of your own home, just ordered collection. Sorting it can not be easier.
What do you expect in return WEEE in the future?
Within the European Union is currently preparing legislation that would tighten conditions Member States as regards the proportion of collected amount to the amount of electrical appliances placed on the market. The new, stricter requirements will need to respond to the Czech Republic.
It is often said that the citizens need to sort of electrical motivate. There was also the idea of financial rewards for each cast appliances. But do not consider it to be too happy solution. The question above all is how these measures would be reflected in the amount of recycling fee that is included in the price of electrical appliances and is used to cover the costs associated with taking back. Motivation is, of course, but an integral part of this issue. The room we see mainly the motivation for conservation. Also important is the education of the young generation.
Overall, we believe that the number of responsible citizens will grow in the future and we will sort of electro as good as we now need to sort plastics.
Source: Lesenský.cz
