Urban mining

What do I do with a discarded ink cartridge or remote control?

Four in ten Belgians sometimes throw small electrical items in the household waste. This is a huge waste of precious materials and does not come without risk.

From huge to tiny, all discarded electrical and electronic items belong in a collection point. Even the small stuff? Yes, we’re not just talking about 'appliances' like washing machines or mobile phones. Earphones, (charging) cables, light bulbs, ink for the printer ... they all relate to small electricals and not to household waste. However, a Recupel survey of 1,000 people showed that at least four in 10 Belgians sometimes get it wrong. Time to figure out what belongs where and why.

What are small electricals?

If an electrical current runs through it, it is considered to be an ‘electrical’. That may sound simple, but in practice things sometimes go wrong and discarded electricals still end up in the household waste. Do you always make the right distinctions? Below are the top 10 small electricals that are occasionally thrown in the wrong bin:

  • Ink cartridge for a printer: 29%
  • (Wireless) earphones or headphones: 24%
  • Bike lights: 19%
  • Christmas lights: 19%
  • Torches: 17%
  • Card readers or eID readers: 16%
  • Remote controls: 14%
  • (Wireless) computer mouse: 14%
  • Chargers: 14%
  • Toys: 14%

Why is it a problem?

Because all those appliances, cables, lamps and cartridges contain valuable materials, such as copper, aluminium, platinum and gold. These metals can be recycled provided they are collected properly.

There are still misunderstandings in this regard though; almost half of Belgians, for example, think that our household waste is sorted and recycled after collection. This is not the case. That does happen, however, if you take your small electricals to a Recupel collection point. It is free, environmentally friendly and safe.

What do you mean, safe?

Electricals contain valuable materials but often also contain substances that are harmful or dangerous if handled incorrectly. Just think of all the devices that have a battery in them. If certain batteries become damaged, they may spontaneously combust. If you collect electricals correctly, any hazardous or harmful substances will be disposed of safely. If they end up in household waste, they pose a risk to the people who process our waste for us. 

So, what should we do with it?

If the item ran on electricity or batteries but no longer works, take it to a Recupel collection point. You can find these at the recycling park, electrical shop or supermarket and they are absolutely free. If the batteries can be taken out, don't forget to deposit them separately at a Bebat collection point. Not sure whether something is an electrical item? Then take it to the recycling centre on your next visit and ask. 

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