"E-waste collection project" "WEEE RECYCLED" - implemented as an integrated approach to the platform of a long-term program for the collection and recycling of hazardous waste, such as electronic and used portable batteries (e-Waste); is innovative for the left bank of the Dniester (Transnistrian region) and reflects the principles of a circular and green economy. It promotes strategic action towards empowerment and encouragement of project beneficiaries to adopt sustainable and green practices in their activities. Within the framework of the project with the support of GEF and the small grants program, AO Vitality with the partner SRL "MoldRec" in the Transnistrian region launched and established a long-term environmental and social initiative to collect, sort and store, disassemble and prepare for transportation with further disposal in the EU countries of waste electronics . This comprehensive initiative to collect electronic waste is being carried out for the first time and has aroused great interest in all segments of the population of cities and regions on the left bank.
In the first half of the project implementation, a room of 74 sq. m. Sukleya, Slobodzeya district, str. Chapaeva 69, (all requirements and conditions of the technological process of collection, storage and transportation have been agreed with all necessary services); By the end of 2022, two additional premises were rented and renovated, bringing the total area to 110 sq. m. In 2023, we plan to expand the warehouse area to 300 sq. m. m.
At the initial stage of the project, the main achievement for the implementation of project activities was the receipt of a License for the collection of hazardous waste of groups III and IV in the territory of the Transnistrian region. Obtaining a license was required, since the collection and storage of electronic waste is necessary in this project, and electronic waste belongs to II-IV classes of hazardous waste. This license was issued for the first time on the territory of the Transnistrian region, and the Ecological Public Organization "Vitality" is the only organization in the Transnistrian region that has official permits for the collection, storage and disposal of WEEE. Also, together with experienced partners of SRL "MoldRec", coordination meetings (online and visits) are held to agree on actions, draw up a detailed and phased work plan, taking into account the previous extensive experience of SRL "MoldRec"; in the process and exchange of experience, in order to more effectively formulate a strategy in the short and long term for the implementation of the project on the left bank in the Transnistrian region. Together with partners, SRL "MoldRec" developed a complete plan and logistics, as well as documentation, to agree on the export of electronic waste to the right bank with subsequent export to specialized enterprises for recycling and processing in the countries of the European Union.
Collection of e-waste is carried out from individuals and legal entities on the left bank.
Currently, a collection has been made from 30 legal organizations. At the moment, more than 3,000 units have already been delivered to the warehouse to prepare for the disposal of electronic waste, including computers with monitors, printers, mobile and stationary phones, as well as peripheral network equipment; The number of applications from legal entities increased significantly, and in the period June-September, the leased warehouse of AO Vitality was completely filled with accepted electronic waste; thanks to the information activities of the project and the media company, which made it possible to inform organizations and institutions from different regions (Rybnitsky, Dubossary, Kamensky, Grigoriopolsky, Slobodzeya, Tiraspol, Bender), a new service of technical expertise of electronic equipment for organizations was introduced; a whole set of documents for the acceptance and transfer of equipment for disposal was developed.
As part of the project, street containers were installed in Tiraspol, Bender, and Slobodzeya district to collect electronic waste from the population. These containers are installed next to the sites for the collection of solid domestic waste (MSW) and also carry out the task of promoting environmental culture and environmental responsibility of the population, and educating young people in the field of separate waste collection;
Based on a survey of local residents about the importance of separate collection of waste, especially electronic waste, the majority of the population notes a positive role in leading their risk of falling into landfills and the negative impact on the environment and human health;
In order to get feedback from local residents, a telephone line was opened - (0533) 77-555-111 (there are also Viber, Whatsapp), using this phone number you can ask the operator for information about electronic waste, methods of preparation and transfer, and there is also the possibility of ordering the removal of bulky electronic waste, this service is free of charge.
Also, for the collection of electronic waste in institutions (educational institutions, shops, institutions, etc.), containers for collecting electronic waste were developed for placement indoors. A big role from the placement of containers in improving the environmental culture and education of young people. For more efficient work when installing containers in some schools, seminars are held, with a developed program in several versions: a playful form for elementary grades and an interactive one for senior grades; in other schools, these events are carried out when collecting accumulated electronic waste or dedicated to international environmental days, such as "Electronic Waste Recycling Day", "Ecological Day for Separate Waste Collection", etc.
Information about the "Electronic Waste Recycling Program" and the correct disposal of electronic waste can be obtained on the website - www.electronica.othod.org .The site is integrated with social networks - www.facebook.com/ecoutilizatia .A link to the site is indicated on the containers and all handouts. For the visibility of the project, as well as informing the public about the ongoing project for the separate collection of electronic waste, booklets and posters are being published.
The analysis and preparation of electronic waste for systematic removal for processing to specialized enterprises of the European Union is carried out jointly with the partner SRL "MoldRec Group". During the project implementation period, since 2021, about 5.5 tons of electronic and electrical waste was collected, which was prepared for disposal.
The set goals of the project were achieved in full? all activities according to the project plan were implemented; within the framework of the project, the ?Electronics eco-utilization program? was created, this program is aimed at continuing the development of the collection and recycling of electronic waste, promoting the separate collection of waste ... in addition, this program will make it possible to draw up a development strategy, which will positively affect the implementation of new projects and new partnerships; also the objectives of the project coincide with those set out in the Waste Management Strategy for the period 2013-2027 Law no. 209 on Waste and the requirements of the Association Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, c.16 on waste management, methods for collecting, storing waste, processing and disposal .
Also, within the framework of the ?Electronics Eco-Recycling Program?, which was launched during the implementation of the activities of the ?WEEE RECYCLED? project for the collection of electronic waste, and using the experience of the implemented activities allowed us to sign new contracts and implement projects in this area: with the support SlovakAid, ?Electronic waste collection (WEEE) with further recycling, reducing the harmful impact and burden on the environment and urban development?; as well as the project ?Ecological bridges across the Dniester?, which is being implemented with funding from the European Union, within the program of confidence building measures implemented by UNDP, the project is implemented jointly with the National Environmental Center of Moldova; the activities of this project will allow to continue and expand information and training activities in educational institutions, schools in the field of circular economy, collection and subsequent disposal of waste; thus, directly continue to develop the activities of the implemented project on Sat e-waste" "WEEE RECYCLED".
We intend to continue to actively and long-term implement activities in this area, as well as implement projects with local and international partners and donor organizations; in addition, we also find support from local organizations, which means that the active involvement of the population and legal entities, organizations will allow us to develop this direction by joint efforts!
We thank the SGP (Small Grant Program) GEF (Global Environment Facility) team for cooperation and support of the implemented project and we hope that there will still be an opportunity to implement new projects.