"Belresursy" Holding of the State Property Committee has launched a large-scale collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment from the public, as reported to BELTA correspondent by Gadad Galimov, Deputy General Director of the holding.
Waste household appliances are collected at 32 points of the holding's organizations in Minsk and Minsk, Brest, Vitebsk, and Gomel regions. These points operate in parallel with the established work of "BelVTI" on collecting waste electrical and electronic equipment. Collection is carried out in accordance with agency agreements concluded with this organization or its regional representatives. "Collection from households from these points is not provided. A reward of Br0.25 per 1 kg has been set. This is more profitable than selling for scrap metal. Appliances are accepted in disassembled form," said Gadad Galimov.
Currently, slightly more than 18% of faulty electrical and electronic equipment, including televisions, monitors, refrigerators, washing machines, and gas stoves, is recycled. "The operation of the collection points is organized with the aim of increasing the use of waste in secondary circulation, considering the importance of addressing environmental issues. The task is to provide maximum opportunities for the public to hand over faulty electrical and electronic equipment," noted the Deputy General Director.
The practice of collecting waste household appliances in disassembled form with subsequent transfer to organizations for processing ensures its deep recycling and contributes to eliminating the threat of environmental pollution by ozone-depleting substances and oils. Electronic equipment and office equipment differ from other types of waste due to their complex component structure, the presence of relatively high concentrations of toxic components (lead, mercury, arsenic, beryllium) and precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) within them.
The disposal of waste electronic equipment and office equipment is a phased process. The complex structure of the waste determines the first stage, which involves dismantling and sorting components into recyclable materials and those requiring neutralization. The processing technology for most components includes their sorting, homogenization, and redirection for reuse after preliminary melting or grinding.