Despite new legislation and stricter controls, a huge amount of computer waste is still exported to developing countries. We receive calls almost daily from rogue traders, both in the Netherlands and from far away, who offer attractive prices for our computer waste. IT-recycling refuses to participate in such business under any circumstances.
Exporting computer waste is unacceptable.
We are vehemently opposed to the export of defective computers and computer materials for recycling in developing countries. Recycling in developing countries is often carried out in deplorable conditions, and even entails the frequent use of child labour. It is, therefore, important that old hardware is processed inside the Netherlands in accordance with Dutch environmental standards, a view shared by the Dutch government in The Hague. For this reason, WEEELABEX certification has been mandatory since July 2015 for companies that handle obsolete computer hardware.
IT-recycling was one of the first companies to be awarded this certification, so we’re authorised to collect computer waste and e-waste, destroy data, and test and purchase computer hardware.
Unfortunately, despite the introduction of WEEELABEX and increasingly tighter controls, we’re aware that a lot of computer waste is still being exported by companies that clearly prioritise profit over concern for the environment and society. Lots of containers packed with computer waste arrive in developing countries every day, with dramatic consequences for local communities and the environment.
We would even go as far as to say that a considerable part of the computer waste collected in the Netherlands is shipped directly to developing countries.
It’s easy to stop the shameful practice of computer waste being exported;
U kunt deze schandelijke praktijken heel simpel voorkomen door u aan de wet te houden. Neem daarom voor uw computerafval altijd een WEEELABEX-bedrijf in de arm. Dan heeft u 100% garantie dat er helemaal niets van uw afval door kinderen op een smerige vuilnisbelt in Nigeria uit elkaar wordt geschroefd.