E-waste Recycling
Spain and Portugal, two of the most technologically advanced countries in Southern Europe, rank among the top users of digital devices, with millions of computers and electronic products sold annually. This widespread adoption of technology has contributed to a growing environmental concern across the Iberian Peninsula: electronic waste (e-waste). In both countries, e-waste volumes are increasing each year, making effective e-waste management not just a national issue but a shared regional imperative.
Computers remain among the most common electronic devices in both nations. While some users prefer traditional desktop models, many rely on laptops and other portable devices. Yet despite their utility, few consumers are aware that these products contain toxic materials—such as mercury, lead, and cadmium—that pose serious risks to human health and the environment if not properly disposed of.
At the same time, e-waste represents a valuable reservoir of non-renewable resources, including copper, nickel, tin, and zinc. Recycling these materials is not only an environmental necessity but also a strategic economic opportunity, particularly as demand for critical raw materials surges. However, for these benefits to be realized, both Spain and Portugal must invest in efficient, accessible, and standardized systems for the collection, sorting, and processing of electronic waste.
Some devices, such as old computers, can be refurbished through the replacement of worn components and updated software. These refurbished units can then be repurposed for use in low-income communities, bridging the digital divide while reducing waste. However, such practices remain limited in scale. Effective programs require logistical coordination, funding, and public engagement that neither country has fully achieved.
Like most electronic waste, computers and peripheral devices typically undergo manual dismantling. Their components—plastics, cables, circuit boards, glass, and more—are then reintroduced into manufacturing processes. But this circular economy model remains aspirational without stronger policy frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and extended producer responsibility laws to ensure that recycling systems are both comprehensive and sustainable.