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Fili elettronici

Explore easy and eco-friendly methods for disposing of e-waste in Prague, featuring services designed for households such as drop-off locations, home collection, and reuse programs to promote responsible recycling and safeguard the environment.

E-WASTE
COLLECTION
IN PRAGUE

RECYCLING WEEE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

In the Czech Republic, recycling electronic waste is a crucial area for environmental protection. Electronic waste includes all electrical and electronic devices that are no longer usable or needed. This includes old computers, mobile phones, refrigerators, televisions, and other appliances.

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The electronic waste recycling process generally involves the following steps:

  1. Collection: Electronic waste is gathered from households, businesses, and public spaces. There are designated containers and collection points for this material.
     

  2. Sorting: After collection, electronic waste is sorted by material type and device. This involves removing hazardous substances, such as batteries and oils, which could be harmful to the environment.
     

  3. Recycling: The recycling process follows, where the individual components of electronic devices are broken down into materials such as metals (e.g., iron, aluminum), plastic, and glass. These materials are then reused in the production of new products.
     

  4. Disposal: If necessary, some parts of electronic devices are disposed of in a way that minimizes their environmental impact.
     

  5. Recovery: Some parts of electronic devices can be repaired and reused, contributing to the extension of their lifespan and reducing the need for new products.

 

The Czech Republic has specific laws and regulations that govern the collection, recycling, and disposal of electronic waste to minimize its negative impact on the environment and human health. Promoting the recycling of electronic waste is vital for sustainable use of natural resources and reducing waste production.

TYPES OF WEEE ACCEPTED

In the Czech Republic, a wide range of electronic waste is collected and recycled. Electronic waste is categorized based on the type of device and material. The main types of electronic waste collected in the Czech Republic are:

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  1. Small Household Appliances:

    • Various small devices such as blenders, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, irons, hairdryers, clocks, fans, mobile phones, chargers, etc.

    • This category includes everything from everyday appliances to small electronic devices.
       

  2. Large Household Appliances:

    • This includes large appliances commonly used in households, such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, televisions, microwave ovens, air conditioners, and more.

    • These products generally have a larger volume and weight compared to small appliances.
       

  3. Computers, Computer Equipment, and Telecommunication Devices:

    • This category includes desktop computers, laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, routers, telephones, fax machines, navigations, tablets, gaming consoles, televisions, and other electronics.

    • These devices are commonly used in both households and businesses.
       

  4. Personal Electronics:

    • This includes mobile phones, MP3 players, cameras, camcorders, gaming consoles, headphones, smartwatches, and other electronics used on a daily basis.
       

  5. Lighting and Fluorescent Lamps:

    • Fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps, LED bulbs, and other types of lighting, which are considered electronic waste after their lifespan ends.
       

  6. Batteries and Accumulators:

    • Although batteries and accumulators constitute a separate waste category, they are part of electronic waste and need to be properly disposed of. This includes batteries from mobile phones, laptops, cars, appliances, etc.
       

  7. Tools and Power Tools:

    • Electric and electronic tools such as drills, saws, screwdrivers, lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, and other devices used in workshops and households.
       

  8. Medical Devices:

    • Small and large electrical devices used in healthcare, such as thermometers, glucose meters, electric wheelchairs, medical monitors, and other equipment.
       

  9. Toys and Child Devices:

    • Electronic toys, robotic toys, electric cars, and other devices for children.

In the Czech Republic, there are specific collection points, containers, and organizations that ensure the collection and subsequent recycling of electronic waste.

COLLECTION METHODS

Recycling electronic waste in the Czech Republic is relatively simple, and there are several ways to dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner. Here are some options for recycling electronic waste:

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  1. Collection Containers and Collection Points:

    • Collection Containers: Many cities and towns have special containers for electronic waste. These containers are typically located in public places, such as housing estates, near shopping centers, or at recycling yards.

    • Collection Points: Many municipalities offer collection yards where you can drop off old appliances like refrigerators, televisions, computers, or mobile phones for free. Collection points are generally open to the public on specific days and hours.
       

  2. Sale and Purchase of Electronic Waste:

    • If you have a functioning device that you no longer use, you can offer it for sale or donation. Some organizations or electronics retailers buy old appliances that can still be repaired and resold. This helps extend the life of the products and reduces waste.

    • In some cases, you can also use stores that offer take-back services—such as electronics retailers that accept old products when you purchase a new one.
       

  3. Take-back Services at Retailers:

    • According to European legislation, retailers of electronic devices are obligated to accept old devices when new ones are purchased. If you buy a new appliance, you can hand in your old one at the store where you purchased the product. This service is free of charge and very convenient.
       

  4. Deposit and Purchase of Batteries and Accumulators:

    • Used batteries and accumulators can be placed in special containers for batteries. These containers are located in various public places, such as supermarkets, electronics stores, schools, or libraries.

    • There are also specialized take-back programs for batteries and accumulators that allow for their environmentally friendly processing
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  5. Eco Points and Mobile Collection Events:

    • Some cities and municipalities organize mobile collection events or eco points where residents can drop off electronic waste for free. These events are often part of collection days or environmental campaigns.
       

  6. Drop-off at Environmental Recycling Companies:

    • If you have a large amount of electronic waste or devices that cannot be disposed of at regular collection points, you can contact specialized environmental recycling companies that focus on processing electronic waste. These companies can assist with safe and environmentally friendly disposal.
       

  7. Utilizing Services for Free Pickup:

    • Some companies and organizations offer free pickup of electronic waste directly from your home, especially for larger devices (e.g., washing machines, refrigerators). These services are usually provided in collaboration with recycling organizations and companies.
       

Remember: Electronic waste should never be thrown away with regular garbage, as it contains hazardous substances (e.g., heavy metals, mercury, lead) that can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing a threat to human and animal health.

IMPORTANT  GUIDELINES

  • Never Throw Electronic Waste in Regular Trash:

    • Electronic waste (e.g., old phones, televisions, batteries, computers) should never be thrown away with mixed municipal waste. It contains hazardous substances like heavy metals (mercury, lead) and other harmful chemicals that can damage the environment and human health.
       

  • Use Collection Containers and Collection Points:

    • In the Czech Republic, collection containers are available where you can drop off small electronic waste (e.g., mobile phones, batteries, chargers, small appliances).

    • Larger electronic waste, such as refrigerators, televisions, or washing machines, can be dropped off at collection points or recycling yards, which are typically open to the public and provide free disposal of larger items.
       

  • Take-back Services at Retailers:

    • If you purchase a new appliance, you have the right to return your old electronic waste to the store where you bought the new product. This service is free, and retailers are required to provide it according to European regulations.
       

  • Recycle Batteries and Accumulators Separately:

    • Batteries and accumulators (e.g., from mobile phones, laptops, toys) should be placed in special battery containers. These containers are often found in supermarkets, electronics stores, schools, or libraries.

    • Do not throw batteries in regular trash, as they may contain toxic substances that can contaminate soil and water.
       

  • Participate in Organized Collection Events:

    • In some regions of the Czech Republic, mobile collection events and environmental campaigns are organized, allowing you to drop off electronic waste at specific locations, such as temporary containers or mobile collection points. Such events are typically organized by municipalities or environmental organizations.
       

  • Check if the Device is Truly Non-functional:

    • Before deciding to dispose of electronic waste, check whether the device can be repaired or refurbished. If it is still functional, consider donating or selling it. Some appliances may be reusable, contributing to the extension of their lifespan.
       

  • Avoid Illegal Disposal of Electronic Waste:

    • Avoid illegal landfills or improper disposal of electronic waste, as it can cause significant environmental damage. Electronic waste should always be handed over at designated locations where it can be processed in an environmentally friendly manner.
       

  • Seek Certified Recycling Companies:

    • If you have a large amount of electronic waste or specific types of devices (e.g., business electronics), it is recommended to use certified recycling companies that ensure proper and eco-friendly disposal.
       

  • Check if the Manufacturer Offers a Take-back Program:

    • Some electronics manufacturers and retailers provide their own take-back programs, where you can return old electronic waste directly to them. This may include brands with specialized collection programs or buyback points for used electronic waste.
       

  • Pay Attention to Proper Sorting of Electronic Waste:

    • If you have multiple types of electronic waste, make sure they are correctly sorted by categories. For example, separate batteries, chargers, small appliances, large appliances, and computer equipment. Proper sorting helps improve recycling and the processing of individual components.

Recycling electronic waste in the Czech Republic is an important step toward environmental protection and public health. To ensure efficient and safe recycling of electronic waste, it is important to follow a few key guidelines:

Click the category to know WHERE and HOW to DROP-OFF

ELEKTROWIN

ELEKTROWIN a.s. is a non-profit organisation founded for purposes other than business, namely the purposes of operating and managing a collective system, ensuring the common fulfilment of the obligations stipulated by the amendment of the law for manufacturers, in terms of return, separate collection, processing, use and removal of electronic equipment and electronic waste.

ECOBAT

The collection points map will help you find the nearest collection box where you can put the used batteries (pencil, button, monocamous and batteries). Enter the location you are interested in and you will see all the collection points in the area.

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