i’m not trash campaign

How to join the global movement

Waste is a resource and every single citizen and company can play a crucial role in the waste management process

During the waste management process, there are different steps where all players have a role in guaranteeing the final result and the implementation of circular economy solutions and waste management procedures.

ERP, as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) operating in several countries, is calling industry and society’s attention to underline the need for recycling, starting with the correct disposal of recyclable waste in the right bins, allowing the takeback, treatment and recycling operations.

Every company that first places a product subject to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements onto the market is considered a producer and ERP helps to comply with regulations for recycling waste electronics, batteries, packaging and textiles.

Waste streams

WEEE

Modern electronics are made of rare and expensive resources, which can be recycled and reused if the waste is effectively managed, saving raw materials.

From big to small, from lamps to IT, when devices reach their end-of-life they are considered Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). WEEE contains a complex mixture of materials, some of which are hazardous, which can cause major environmental and health problems if the discarded devices are not managed properly.

Improving the collection, treatment, and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) at the end of its life can:

• improve sustainable production and consumption

• increase resource efficiency

• contribute to the circular economy

Videos about WEEE recycling:

Large Domestic Appliances | Cooling Appliances

Display Equipment | IT Equipment

Small Domestic Appliances | Lamps | PV Panels

Batteries

Batteries or accumulators are any sources of electrical energy generated by direct conversion of chemical energy and consisting of one or more primary battery cells (non-rechargeable) or consisting of one or more secondary battery cells (rechargeable).

Most types of batteries contain toxic heavy metals, including nickel, cadmium, and mercury. All of these metals can be recovered and reused.

Recycling batteries is good for the environment as it keeps them out of landfill, where heavy metals may leak into the ground, causing soil and water pollution and endangering animal and plant life. If batteries are incinerated with household waste, the heavy metals inside them cause air pollution.

Video about batteries recycling

Packaging

This waste recycling category includes paper, cardboard, plastics, polystyrenes, steel, aluminum, glass and wood.

Many of these materials can be recycled into new products and recycling packaging reduces the amount of waste that is sent to landfill and saves natural resources.

Videos about packaging recycling:

Glass | Metal | Paper/Cardboard | Plastic