Free Removal of Discarded Electronic Devices in Croatia

20 October 2008

Croatian Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Construction announced that since December 2007, when the system of separate collection of electric and electronic waste (e-waste) was established, a total of 3,327 tons of discarded electric appliances and electronic devices were collected.

The citizens that hold over 30 kilograms of old computers, appliances and other electronic waste and want it removed, can do that free of charge by a call to a toll-free phone number, by e-mail or regular SMS.

An estimated 30,000-45,000 tons of e-waste are created in Croatia per year, between 6.67 and 10.11 kg per capita. Also, the quantities grow by an estimated ten percent annually. In 2003 alone, over 100,000 personal computers were sold in Croatia, which are outdated and discarded in three to four years, which illustrates the magnitude of the problem.

The Ministry aims to collect at least four kilograms of household e-waste per capita per year. Electric and electronic waste is collected by private companies that won concession rights in a public tender. The collecting firms get compensated for their collection, temporary storage, sorting and transport costs with 1.50 HRK/kg.

For free of charge removal of their electronic waste, citizens can call the toll-free number 0800 444 110 (08-16:00 hours), by filling in the form on the www.eeotpad.com portal, by SMS to phone 098/444 110 or send e-mail to prijava@eeotpad.com.