According to the latest investigation conducted by SW investigation on behalf of OLX, Polish households have as many as 565 million unused electronics, the full value of which is not little than PLN 112 billion. It is simply a immense sum, which represents about 3% of Polish GDP.
For the first time, these studies have allowed to measure the scale of the problem of electro-silk in Poland and have shown that this issue concerns us all – not only companies or large cities.
On average, over 18 household appliances
According to data from April this year, in which 800 people took part, it turns out that all Polish citizen has an average over 18 electronic deviceswhich are no longer used, but are inactive in the basket or stay idle.
The most commonly collected devices are:
- Cell phones – 92% of respondents declare having at least 1 unused phone, and as much as 13% have 5 or more.
- Computers and laptops – 72% of households have at least 1 unused computer equipment.
- Household appliances and tiny kitchen appliances – 66% of respondents hold old irons, toasters or mixers.
- Television – until 60% of respondents did not get free of their old TVs.
Electro-waste crisis – global and local problem
According to study data Global E-waste Monitorup to 1 year 2030 amount of garbage will increase by 32% compared to 2023 and scope the level 82 million tonnes per year. Poland, as it turns out, is not free from this.
On the 1 hand, the disadvantage is that so many citizens hold unnecessary equipment – on the other, however, it is simply a immense chance for economic and environmental benefit.
One expert in this area says:
“The electricity that lies idle is not just lost money, but besides a possible origin of secondary natural materials that could be reused in the closed-loop economy.”
How many values can you recover from unused electronics?
The average value of equipment that Poles have in their homes is over PLN 6 thousand per person. The most ‘freezing’ capital can be found in:
- televisions – average PLN 701,
- computers – PLN 691
- appliances – PLN 670,
- telephones and smartphones – 554 PLN.
This means that the sale of even a fewer devices can bring considerable financial resources, especially if the equipment inactive works or can be repaired.
Do you sell, trade, or donate? Owner Options
According to experts, there are many ways to arrange unused equipment:
- Online platform sales (e.g. OLX, Allegro) – fast and frequently cost-effective option, especially with newer models.
- Exchange for fresh equipment in RTV/AGD stores – More and more promotions let the collection and partial valuation of old equipment.
- Placing to the collection points for the collection of waste – safe and legal form of disposal, frequently free.
- Donations to persons in request or foundations – the anticipation of helping others and simultaneously avoiding waste.
It is crucial to remember that Mistaken disposal of waste may entail legal liability, as confirmed by the case law of the average courts in respective cases concerning the illegal disposal of electronic waste.
Laws and obligations relating to the disposal of waste
According to the Law of 14 December 2012 on utilized electrical and electronic equipment (Journal of Laws 2021 item 1226), manufacturers and importing companies are obliged to organise collection and recycling systems for utilized electronics. However, as a final user, you have the right to return your equipment to a place intended for this purpose, e.g. to SeReC points or trading facilities implementing waste collection programs.
The EU Court of Justice, in 1 of its judgments (Case C-210/19), stressed that EU associate States must guarantee that electronic waste collection facilities are available to citizens, which further supports the correct management of waste.
Summary: Unnecessary electronics = money in drawer
If you have an old phone, laptop, tv or another unused electronic devices at home, do not let them lie in vain. They can not only bring you real financial benefits, but besides aid you fight the increasing amount of electrode and reduce the usage of primary natural materials.
Take care of the environment, your pocket and space in the flat – it's time to unpack this drawer!
More here:
Unused electronics in Polish homes worth PLN 112 billion. Is it worth selling?
