A record amount of more than 200 million kilograms of e-waste has been collected by Organisation Organisation Producer Responsibility E-waste Netherlands (Stichting OPEN) in 2023. This amounts to almost 12 kilograms per inhabitant of the Netherlands.
This is according to the 2023 Annual Report. On behalf of producers of appliances, lamps and batteries, the OPEN Foundation gives substance to the legal responsibility of producers around the collection and recycling of these products. The goal is to realise the legal collection targets within two years, together with chain partners, and also make the sector more circular. The focus is on collecting products, recycling them, running campaigns under the name Wecycle to stimulate the collection and recycling of appliances, light bulbs and batteries, and reporting on progress on the targets set.
Leakage flow in metal sector overcome
In its 2023 Annual Report, the OPEN Foundation highlights the Incentive Scheme, which was rolled out last year. This scheme is aimed at overcoming leakage current in the metal sector. The Incentive Scheme led to an additional collection of 42 million kilograms of discarded appliances and lamps.
Jan Vlak, OPEN Foundation general director: "The Incentive Scheme has proven to be an effective measure in our efforts towards a circular economy. The 2023 result shows that with the right partners and strategies, we can make great strides."
Merger with Batteries Foundation
The foundation merged with the Batteries Foundation (Stibat) at the beginning of this year. Through the merger, the OPEN Foundation focuses not only on collecting electrical appliances, but from now on also on recycling batteries. Among other things, the parties want to strengthen their communication towards companies regarding the return of appliances, both built-in and separate batteries and electric bicycle batteries. The parties also focus on streamlining the collection process, setting up a larger helpdesk and back-office, and optimising logistical processes.
Steven van Eijck, Chairman OPEN Foundation: "The industry's 2023 performance confirms that we are on the right track. With the support of policymakers and our partners, we remain committed to a circular economy in which raw materials are safeguarded and waste is a thing of the past."
Wecycle for Business
OPEN Foundation in 2024 is once again committed to undercutting leakage flows. The focus in 2024 will be on the further roll-out of Wecycle voor Bedrijven. This initiative makes it easier for companies to hand in electrical waste responsibly or have it collected.
OPEN Foundation's 2023 Annual Report can be found here.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Image: computerit via Pixabay
