Circular Electronics Initiative is an international network with more than 30 member organizations. The purpose is to encourage society to use electronic goods sustainably.
Part of the core activities is to inspire decision-makers, businesses, and consumers to use and manage electronics in a more circular way.
In today’s linear economy, we take virgin natural resources to manufacture products, which often have a short lifespan before they are discarded. This leads to a number of serious sustainability issues, affecting human health and the environment. Valuable natural resources are depleted and toxic e-waste is accumulating at the record rate of 60 million metric tonnes every year. This equals the weight of 6,000 Eiffel towers! Adding to the problem, e-waste is often handled in unsafe ways, leading to human health problems and environmental degradation.
In a circular economy, resources are handled in a more sustainable way. The goal is to extend product lifetime and recirculate all materials without producing any waste. For electronics, this means reducing virgin resource extraction, extending the use-life of products and minimizing waste and pollution.
Member organizations
Latest articles from Circular Electronics Initiative
What you can do
Extending the use
Extending product life is the single most important thing you can do. Upgrade and repair your products so they last longer and make use of the second hand market.
Sustainability certification
If you need to buy a new product, choose products that carry a sustainability certification that includes robust criteria and requires third party verification.
Durable products
Choose a durable product that can last longer. Avoid buying unrepairable electronics that you may risk having to throw away after a short usage time.
Compensate
Compensate the e-waste footprint of your new product, either by recycling a product with a similar footprint or by purchasing the offsetting as a service.
Recycle or refurbish
Don’t throw it out! If it’s not possible to reuse or sell your old products, take them to an electronics recycler or refurbisher where they will be handled responsibly.
What you can do
Extending the use
Extending product life is the single most important thing you can do. Upgrade and repair your products so they last longer and make use of the second hand market.
Sustainability certification
If you need to buy a new product, choose products that carry a sustainability certification that includes robust criteria and requires third party verification.
Durable products
Choose a durable product that can last longer. Avoid buying unrepairable electronics that you may risk having to throw away after a short usage time.
Climate compensate
Climate compensate the e-waste footprint of your new product, either by recycling a product with a similar footprint or by purchasing the offsetting as a service.
Recycle or refurbish
Don’t throw it out! If it’s not possible to reuse or sell your old products, take them to an electronics recycler or refurbisher where they will be handled responsibly.
Contact
Dennis Svärd, project coordinator
dennis.svard@circularelectronicsinitiative.com
This page is hosted by TCO Development, the organization behind the global leading sustainability certification for IT products TCO Certified, for Circular Electronics Initiative.