Classification/separation
Electric waste is classified as hazardous waste and contains a large amount of heavy metals and toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, brominated flame retardants and PCB.
Put simply, electric waste is an end-of-life apparatus that is run by a battery or a cable.
Electric waste is divided into two categories: electrical and electronic products.
Electric products are, for example, lamps, computers, monitors, copiers, printers, electric kettles, coffee makers (deposited without jar), microwave ovens, fume cabinets and centrifuges. Electronic products are components that control electric products, for example light sensors and glow switches.
Electric cables are classified as metal and they are separated by the waste contractor.
The handling of fluorescent tubes and light sources is regulated in another ordinance, see the Light sources section.
For information about the handling of refrigerators and freezers, see the Refrigerators and freezers section.
Collection/handling
Small numbers of end-of-life electric products are deposited at the nearest waste management centre. For a larger number or bulky end-of-life electric products, order collection from Serviceportalen.
From 2019 used IT-products such as old laptops, computer screens and keyboards are handled by Avvecklingstjänsten, IT services.
Marking/labelling
The recycling containers/collection point must be marked with a descriptive text (Swedish and English) and/or symbols.
If the equipment has been used in laboratory activities the person depositing the equipment must sign a certificate that the equipment not is contaminated and do not contain dangerous components. Certificates can be found under “How to do” at Sustainable campus web, www.su.se/sustainablecampus. If unsure whether the equipment is contaminated or not contact the hazardous waste contractor for assessment and possible collection.
Storage at waste management centre
Electrical cages or placed in the area marked for that purpose.
Hand-over/transport
The electric waste deposited is collected by the waste contractor at the waste management centre. Then the electrical waste is taken to the large recycling centre under Aula Magna for further transport.
Final disposal
Electric waste is driven to electronics recovery where it is sorted and dismantled. The parts of the electric waste that are harmful to the environment are disposed of. The metal in the electric waste goes to metal recycling and the plastic in the casings to energy recovery. Some components of the electric waste are repaired and reused.
Specific legislation
SFS 2014:1075 Ordinance on Producer responisiblity for electric Equipment.
SFS 2016:1128 Ordinance on flourinated greenhouse gases.
SFS 2012:259 Ordinance on environmental sanction charges.