From 22 to 30 November 2025, the 17th edition of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) will take place, a Europe-wide initiative aimed at promoting awareness-raising actions to reduce waste and encourage sustainable practices among citizens and businesses.
This year, the campaign focuses on a growing global challenge: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). According to the United Nations’ Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, more than 62 million tonnes of e-waste are generated each year, yet only 22% is properly managed. This highlights the urgent need to promote the reduction, reuse, and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment while ensuring its safe and environmentally responsible management.
Why Is It Important to Act on WEEE?
WEEE contains valuable materials such as precious metals, plastics, and electronic components that can be recovered and reused. In addition, if not managed properly, electronic waste can cause soil and water contamination and pose risks to human health.
The European Week for Waste Reduction reminds us that every action counts, whether it involves reusing old devices, giving them a second life, or ensuring they are recycled correctly.
How Is the Waste Cluster of Catalonia Involved?
Several members of the Waste Cluster of Catalonia work daily with WEEE, implementing innovative and sustainable solutions. These include companies and organizations that provide collection, treatment, and recovery services, ensuring full traceability and the recovery of materials for their reintegration into the circular economy.
Among our members involved in the electrical and electronic equipment value chain are waste operators such as FCC Ámbito and CAT WASTE (Movilex), as well as producer responsibility organizations and compliance schemes including Fundación ECOLUM, ECOTIC, Recyclia, and Ambiwaste.
We would also like to highlight the role of municipal consortia, which manage recycling centres and green points. These facilities play a fundamental role in ensuring separate collection, directing waste to authorized treatment operators, and raising environmental awareness among citizens. In addition, the Recovery Guild of Catalonia promotes professionalism and recycling within this waste stream across the sector.
How Can You Contribute?
During the European Week for Waste Reduction, everyone can participate by adopting more sustainable habits:
- Review electronic devices and extend their useful life whenever possible.
- Reuse and give a second life to devices that are still in good condition.
- Dispose of WEEE at authorized collection points.
- Share good practices with family, friends, and colleagues.
Every action contributes to building a more responsible consumption model and a stronger circular economy.
Support the reduction, reuse, and recycling of WEEE and take part in the European Week for Waste Reduction 2025!
