Commission Recommendation (EU) 2023/2585 on improving the rate of return of used and waste mobile phones, tablets and laptops

Summary:

Recommendation (EU) 2023/2585 adopted by the European Commission on 6 October 2023, seeking to increase the return of used and waste mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

Further information:

The collection rate of small electronic devices remained low, with high levels of unused and waste mobile phones stored in households across the European Union (EU) . These devices are rich in precious materials, in particular critical raw materials. Increasing the repair and re-use of small electronics as well as recycling of waste from such equipment is seen to support the shift to a circular economy, contribute to the security of supply for critical raw materials and energy, and enhance the EU's strategic autonomy.

These policy recommendations are aimed at national authorities and include financial incentives, the use of postal services for the return and waste mobile phones, the establishment of partnerships between reuse organisations and operators of take-back schemes, the preparation of reuse targets, the increase in awareness, improvements to the convenience and visibility of collection points, and reassurance on the proper management and deletion of all personal data stored in their devices.

The Recommendation was adopted by the European Commission on 6 October 2023. It was published in the Official Journal on 20 November 2023.

Official

European Commission: DG Environment: News, 06/10/2023: Circular economy: new recommendations for national authorities to increase the return of used and waste mobile phones, tablets and laptops https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/circular-economy-new-recommendations-national-authorities-increase-return-used-and-waste-mobile-2023-10-06_en

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