Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI)

With the growth of the global economy and the digitalization of today's businesses and society, electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) has become the fastest growing waste stream worldwide. Due to the presence of toxic substances in many products on the one hand, inappropriately managed e-waste can cause health risks and environmental damage. On the other hand, e-waste also contains valuable materials, such as metals, and is therefore an important source for secondary raw materials. Industrialized countries have regulated e-waste management based on the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility. This has led to the establishment of take-back schemes and the growth and professionalization of an e-waste recycling industry.

The programme will intervene in the areas policy and legislation, normative requirements, technology and business development and problematic waste fractions. The foreseen programme has a direct link to the climate change topic as the planned activities will lead to a reduced use of energy by collecting and reusing secondary raw materials.

SRI contributes to the following development outcomes:

An adequate policy and legislative framework enables the implementation of a sustainable e-waste management system.

·     Normative requirements and performance measure ensure a level playing field.

·     Optimized and sustainable value chains and skilled businesses advance the professionalization of the recycling industry.

·     Locally adapted concepts provide solutions for the safe treatment of hazardous waste fractions.

SRI concepts and methods are strengthened in exchange with the international community of practice and have proliferated globally.