Enhancing Electronics Reuse in Copenhagen: A Pilot Project

Extending Electronics' Lifespan 

A previous survey showed that many Copenhageners store unused mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at home. These devices contain rare metals and minerals that are crucial for future electronics. However, they are only recyclable to a limited extent, which is why extending their lifespan through minor repairs and reuse is essential. The City of Copenhagen focuses on reuse initiatives, as electronic waste management and recycling are subject to producer responsibility. 

To address this, the City of Copenhagen conducted a one-year pilot project in collaboration with the environmental company Ragn-Sells. The project involved placing locked metal collection boxes at 18 high-traffic locations, including recycling stations, shopping centers, supermarkets, libraries, cultural centers, a university, and a housing association. As the project owner, the City of Copenhagen oversaw overall planning and citizen engagement, while Ragn-Sells managed collection, GDPR compliance, repair, and resale activities. 

Challenges & Insights  

In an evaluation report prepared by Behave Green it is shown that only 1% of the participants surveyed used the collection boxes, yet 11% of the collected electronics could be repaired and resold, while another 11% of components could be repurposed in other products. The remaining 78% required recycling, with metal parts melted down for new materials. According to Aalborg University, reusing electronic devices is more than 45 times better for the climate than recycling or disposing of them as waste. 

The report highlights the time it takes for citizens to adopt new behaviors, emphasizing the need for continuous communication and engagement. Participants saw the City's involvement as a strong endorsement and viewed the collection boxes as more secure than regular electronic waste disposal at recycling stations and residential areas. However, they suggested that the City’s logo should be more visible as an official approval of the project. They also expressed a need for personal guidance on securely deleting personal data before donating their devices and requested information on who would be the next user of their secondhand products. 

Furthermore, the report shows that Copenhageners generally recognize the value of reusing mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, with 31% already donating or selling their used devices to family, friends, or shops. However, 45% still store their old electronics at home, unused for years. It remains crucial to guide these citizens on how to safely and effectively donate their devices to new owners.