International E-waste Day: fast tech – don't bin it, bring it!
From earbuds to charging cables, fast tech is everywhere. Discover why these small electronic gadgets have a big impact – and what you can do to make a difference.
How many charging cables do you have at home?
A broken pair of earbuds. A charger no one remembers the purpose of. A gadget you bought online because it seemed useful, but that’s now gathering dust at the back of a drawer.
Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. That’s exactly why International E-waste Day 2026 is all about fast tech: small, inexpensive electrical devices that enter our lives faster than ever – and disappear just as quickly.
The fast fashion of electronics
Fast tech is to electronics what fast fashion is to clothing. These products are often inexpensive, easy to order online and sometimes bought on impulse. Think of:
- earbuds and headphones
- charging cables and adapters
- mini fans
- LED lights
- electronic gadgets
- electronic toys
At first glance, they may seem harmless. They’re small, lightweight and take up very little space. But that’s exactly why they’re so easily forgotten once they break or are no longer used.
Small device, big challenge
When we think of electrical or electronic waste, we usually picture a refrigerator, washing machine or television. But the biggest challenge often lies in the smallest devices.
Many fast tech products end up in household waste or remain forgotten in cupboards and drawers for years. As a result, valuable raw materials that could be recovered and reused are lost.
And that’s a shame, because these small devices often contain valuable materials such as copper, aluminium and other critical raw materials that can be recovered and given a new life.
One in ten Belgians throws loose cables and chargers into household waste or the PMD bag
Research conducted by iVOX among 1,000 Belgians* shows that many consumers struggle to recognise what counts as e-waste. Some striking findings include:
- 1 in 7 would throw a bicycle light into household waste or the PMD bag.
- 1 in 10 would dispose of loose cables or chargers in household waste or the PMD bag.
- 1 in 5 believes it’s okay to throw small electrical devices, such as wireless earbuds, into household waste.
- Nearly 4 in 10 know someone who occasionally throws small electrical items into household waste.
- 1 in 4 believes recycling is mainly the responsibility of companies and large organisations.
* Market research agency iVOX conducted an online survey on behalf of Recupel between 14 and 19 April 2026 among a representative sample of 1,000 Belgians, based on gender, age, education level and region.
What you don’t see still matters
An old charging cable may not seem like a big deal. But multiply that one cable by millions of households, and the picture looks very different.
Today, fast tech is one of the fastest-growing streams of electrical and electronic waste. Because these products are so small, they’re often not recognised as e-waste that should be collected separately.
Fortunately, there’s a simple rule to remember:
If it lights up, charges up or plugs in, "recupel" it.
⚠️ Batteries deserve extra attention
Many fast tech products today contain a lithium-ion battery. When these devices end up in household waste, damaged batteries can cause fires during collection, transport or recycling.
This poses a serious risk to workers and recycling facilities. That’s why proper collection is about more than protecting the environment – it’s also essential for safety.
Join in on 14 October
International E-waste Day is the perfect opportunity to go on a little treasure hunt at home. Open that messy drawer. Take a look in the cupboard in the attic. You might discover an old mobile phone, worn-out earbuds, cables no one uses anymore or broken electronic gadgets.
Bring them to a Recupel collection point near you.
By doing so, you’ll help valuable raw materials stay in circulation and give your old electrical devices a second life.
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