Analysis
The development and optimisation of our work is based on continuous assessment of and research into the area of recycling WEEE. El-Kretsen’s own analysis facility in Arboga receives around 1.5 per cent of all small appliances collected. This amounts to some 1,500 tonnes yearly and is used for the purposes of research and analysis.
The cages of WEEE that arrive at El-Kretsen’s analysis facility have been randomly selected and provide a selection large enough to be statistically representative of how many remote controls, computers, television sets, etc. are collected every year. Some of the products are set aside for a more in-depth analysis. Here we look at data such as age, environmental labelling, trade mark and materials used. The purpose of this facility is to enable us to conduct in-house examinations of the products we collect. Additionally, the analysis facility enables us to identify trends and changes over time of aspects like material composition and proportion of hazardous materials, for example. Our aim is to eventually be able to recycle 100 per cent of all electronic waste, and analysing the waste we collect assists in furthering product development. It is also a tool that makes it possible for us to provide detailed accounts of what different products are actually made up of. The results and statistics produced at this facility account for a large part of the environmental data concerning WEEE recycling that we distribute in Sweden today. By working proactively, we accept our environmental responsibility. It also makes us better equipped to deal with changes to the legislation, for example, or in negotiations with authorities and suppliers.