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CIRCLEWASTE – Promoting the circular economy through e-waste management

Summary

The CircleWaste project addresses the critical issue of electronic waste in the Adriatic-Ionian region by fostering a sustainable, circular approach to waste management. This initiative unites 12 partners across eight countries to create innovative, environmentally conscious solutions that mitigate both environmental and economic challenges associated with e-waste.

CircleWaste aims to establish a circular economy for e-waste by creating a business model that ensures a continuous supply of e-waste for reuse, refurbishment, and recycling, effectively reducing the waste’s linearity in the ADRION area. To achieve this, the project has developed a Transnational Strategy for e-waste management alongside regional Territorial Action Plans, which are designed to address the unique needs of local communities.

Through pilot initiatives like Smart Delivery Boxes and Prepaid Return Labels, CircleWaste promotes responsible e-waste collection and recycling practices. By increasing e-waste collection rates and fostering regional cooperation, CircleWaste engages the public in sustainable consumption practices, leveraging digital innovation and community partnerships. These efforts contribute to EU sustainability goals and support a resilient circular economy, setting a replicable example for sustainable e-waste management across Europe.

Key objectives

  • Develop innovative solutions to increase resource efficiency in e-waste recycling.
  • Promote circular economy models in the e-waste sector throughout the ADRION region.
  • Support the development and implementation of territorial action plans for the regional application of circular economy principles.
  • To ensure long-term sustainability and cross-border cooperation in e-waste management.

Project budget
The entire project budget amounts to €1,655,459 , which is divided between 12 partners from 8 countries. The budget is intended for pilot projects, research, development of methodologies and involvement of stakeholders.

The leading partner of the CIRCLEWASTE project is the Association of Municipalities of Slovenia.

Partners in the project
The project includes 12 partners from the following countries:

  • Slovenia (CPU)
  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Croatia
  • North Macedonia
  • Montenegro
  • Portugal
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina

Expected results

  • 50% reduction of e-waste by 2030 throughout the ADRION region.
  • Increasing the recycling rate to 75%.
  • Development and testing of pilot projects in different regions, focusing on new technologies for the collection and recycling of e-waste.
  • Implementation of innovative business models that promote a circular economy and create new jobs in the e-waste sector.
  • Long-term sustainability of project results through cross-border cooperation and transfer of knowledge to other regions with similar challenges.

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