Spain collects 9.3 kg of e-waste per person, compared to 12.3 kg in the EU, puts 36 kg of devices on the market, and more than 4 out of every 10 kg are solar panels

Spain faces a critical gap between new electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market and the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collected, falling well below the European average. This divergence shows that, although sales of devices are increasing rapidly, the collection system is not keeping pace, leaving a large volume of waste either improperly managed or accumulated in households. The problem is exacerbated by the proliferation of solar panels, which account for nearly half of the weight of equipment sold but remain in use, thereby distorting waste statistics. Additionally, there is a significant shortfall in the management of small appliances, such as mobile phones and chargers, which are often disposed of informally due to inadequate recycling habits among the public. This case is relevant to the open data community because it highlights the need for transparency in the generation and handling of waste. Official figures, based on estimated models and with gaps in cross-border trade data, reveal how the lack of accurate and open data hinders regulatory compliance and the effective planning of sustainable environmental policies.

Source: ecoticias.com
Published on 2026-10-23

Spain collects 9.3 kg of e-waste per person, compared to 12.3 kg in the EU, puts 36 kg of devices on the market, and more than 4 out of every 10 kg are solar panels

Related news