Commentary
March 4, 2025

Linas Ivanauskas
Head of the Electronics Distributors Association (EPA)

We live in a time when almost all attention is drawn to events shaping the geopolitical climate. Discussions about climate change or environmental protection are being pushed to the sidelines. It seems almost pointless to talk about ecosystem sustainability or environmental conservation when global superpowers are once again dividing the world, and explosions and fires from battlefields poison the planet alongside the usual consumer waste. One might be tempted to think that the foundation of European values has become less important. And yet, we began the year in Europe with hope, committing to taking responsibility for the waste generated in the pursuit of prosperity.

One of the new developments is the implementation of new regulations on the international transport of hazardous electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) waste, which took effect on January 1, 2025. Under these new rules, the transportation of EEE waste from non-OECD countries to the EU will require prior notification and authorization procedures for both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Meanwhile, the export of EEE waste from the EU to non-OECD countries will be completely prohibited. To facilitate this, two delegated regulations were adopted in 2024, implementing the provisions of the Basel Convention.

This regulation helps prevent the illegal export of hazardous waste to countries lacking the infrastructure to safely process it. Moreover, it assumes that within the EU, we not only have the necessary infrastructure but also a legal framework and public habits that ensure its effective operation. In other words, in the EU, we not only enjoy prosperity—enhanced by the increasing use of electronic devices—but we also claim to be able to manage electronic waste sustainably. But is this truly the case across the entire EU and in Lithuania, as envisioned in optimistic EU policies?

We Want To, But We Can’t

The EU’s vision is not a fantasy. It consists of legally binding plans that impose obligations on EU member states. These plans and requirements are outlined in the European Parliament and Council Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). According to this directive, since 2019, member states have been required to collect at least 65% of the average amount of electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market over the previous three years. Unfortunately, many EU countries are failing to meet this target. The European Commission issues recommendations urging manufacturers to allocate more funds to electronic waste collection and for governments to take greater initiative in this area, but these efforts have had little impact on the electronics waste market.

According to a baseline United Nations scenario, the amount of electronic waste is expected to more than double by 2050, reaching approximately 111 million tons per year. Experts estimate that by 2025, global electronic waste will exceed 60 million tons. However, only about 20% of global electronic waste is officially collected and recycled. While the EU performs better, its rates remain insufficient: in various member states, only 35–55% of electronic waste is officially collected and recycled. The remainder is either lost or improperly managed.

In Lithuania, data from the Environmental Protection Agency (AAA) shows that the collection and recycling rates of electronic waste declined between 2020 and 2023:

• 2020 – 39.31% of the estimated product flow
• 2021 – 38.83%
• 2022 – 32.13%
• 2023 – 35.62%

These are the latest figures provided by AAA.

Electronic Waste – Worthless Trash?

It has been frequently discussed that a portion of Lithuania’s electronic waste is collected and dismantled illegally, with leftover materials irresponsibly and unsafely discarded. This year, these claims were confirmed by publicly released footage from waste processors, showing break-ins at electronic waste collection points. Police investigations have been initiated.

Ironically, the only damage recognized in these cases is the break-in and damage to the electronic waste handlers’ property. Electronic waste is seen as worthless trash—as if no one suffers any material loss when “garbage” is stolen. Our organization, the Electronics Distributors Association (EPA), has firsthand experience with this. When we reported break-ins involving damage to electronic waste containers, the police declined to investigate, citing the minimal financial impact. Their reasoning: “Such minor offenses do not warrant police resources.”

This perspective fails to recognize that these illegal activities are systematic and have severe environmental, health, and economic consequences.

The Right to Repair – A Solution?

In theory, the EU anticipated that the implementation of the Right to Repair—ensuring longer availability of spare parts and better repair conditions both under warranty and post-warranty—could help reduce electronic waste. However, as Lithuania’s experience shows, too few people choose to repair their devices. Most repairs occur only under warranty, among sustainability enthusiasts, or in cases where insurance companies partially compensate for the repair costs.

Even repair technicians admit that the cost of fixing a device is often nearly the same as buying a new one, with no guarantee on how long another, untouched component will last. The previous Lithuanian Parliament attempted multiple times to introduce tax incentives for repairs, but the proposals never became law.

Who Should Take Responsibility?

Many industry players claim that Lithuania has a well-established legal electronic waste collection infrastructure, but it remains insufficient to meet EU collection targets. Following European Commission recommendations, we tested incentive-based measures in July 2023 (unlike the government, which was also urged to introduce such incentives).

During a campaign, we collected 5,500 mobile phones, distributing the same number of vouchers for free cinema screenings across Lithuania. But did this effort impact 2024’s small IT equipment collection rates? Unfortunately, the number of collected devices was even lower than in 2023.

A Need for Drastic Changes

Experts unanimously agree: drastic changes must occur in the entire electronic waste sector.

But can we expect any major shifts soon, when global superpowers are prioritizing new fossil fuel extraction over waste recycling and sustainability? The U.S. President’s inaugural speech positioned increased mining as a sign of progress. Another revealing moment: a controversial Oval Office meeting revolved entirely around fossil resources.

In contrast, EU values have long promoted the opposite approach: reducing the use of non-renewable resources and instead recycling waste efficiently.

So, are we truly doing enough to turn these noble ideas into reality? Do we still want to remain within the European system of values? What do our politicians and environmental experts think? Will the current Ministry of Environment, like its predecessor, ask our association for market research instead of conducting its own in-depth studies?

Will they at least attempt to encourage a breakthrough in electronic waste recycling technology and mobilize all stakeholders, including processors and even companies legally incinerating plastics with flame retardants?

We hope that European sustainability principles do not remain just a utopian dream.