Critical raw materials are found in only a few countries but are absolutely essential for Europe’s future. To ensure continued access to these materials, Europe must improve its recycling of the critical raw materials already present in existing electronic products. This is the focus of this year’s International E-Waste Day (IEWD) under the theme: Recycle your e-waste – it’s critical!
The demand for smartphones, electric vehicles, solar panels, and other advanced technologies is growing rapidly – and with it comes an increased need for rare and valuable raw materials that form the backbone of the green and digital transition.
The EU has therefore launched the Critical Raw Materials Act to ensure that Europe can access these materials in a stable and sustainable way.
The legislation sets ambitious targets that:
- at least 10% of Europe’s consumption of critical raw materials by 2030 should come from domestic production,
- 40% should be processed within the EU,
- 25% should come from recycling.
To achieve these goals, it is essential to increase the amount of collected electronic waste and to develop and improve the technology for recovering these valuable materials.
Why are critical raw materials so important?
Critical raw materials are found only in a few countries and in small amounts in electronic products. This makes the EU vulnerable, and the main reasons behind the ambitions of the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act are:
- Geopolitical vulnerability: Many critical raw materials are found only in a few countries outside the EU, making the EU vulnerable to supply disruptions, trade restrictions, or political tensions.
- Rising demand: The growing production of advanced technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy (solar panels, wind turbines), and electronics significantly increases the need for these materials.
- Climate goals: To achieve the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050, stable and sustainable supply chains for materials essential to green technology are necessary.
- Strengthening the circular economy: The Act aims to promote recycling and reuse of critical raw materials to reduce dependence on virgin resources and minimize environmental impact.
- Economic competitiveness: By securing access to raw materials, the EU can maintain and strengthen its industrial base and technological edge.
Many of the raw materials needed to meet both the EU’s goals and concerns are currently “sleeping” in drawers and cabinets – as old, broken, or unused phones, laptops, chargers, and other electronics.
Therefore, recycling is key to ensuring the material cycle and supporting the circular economy.
International E-Waste Day 2025 – October 14
This year, Elretur and WEEE Forum are focusing on the recovery potential of this year’s International E-Waste Day.
The day aims to raise awareness that electronic waste contains important raw materials that can be extracted and reused – if we all contribute by delivering our electronics to the proper collection points.
A study shows that the average household in Europe owns 74 electrical and electronic products, many of which are no longer in use but stored at home. This equals millions of tons of electronics that could potentially be recycled if we put in the effort.
How can you help?
As an ordinary consumer and a member of Elretur, you can help us by dropping off your end-of-life electronics at recycling centers. This way, you help ensure that valuable materials are recycled and not wasted.
You can also help spread the positive message on social media.
Elretur handles more than 80% of all electronics collected at Danish recycling centers, and we work to increase both reuse and recycling through our unique recycling facility, Electronic Reuse and Recycling.
We encourage everyone—private individuals, organizations, schools, businesses, and municipalities—to actively participate in International E-Waste Day 2025 and contribute to better use of our resources now and in the future.
Read more about International E-Waste Day here.
Stay updated – keep an eye on our newsletter
At Elretur, we closely monitor developments and ensure that you and our other member companies are kept informed with relevant information and guidance.
This way, you can prepare your business as best as possible and avoid unnecessary surprises.
Keep an eye on our newsletter — sign up for Elretur News at https://elretur.dk/en/.
