Around half of waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) plastics generated in Europe do not enter official WEEE collection channels, according to the report by SOFIES, a leading sustainability consulting firm. The waste mostly ends up in the waste bins, processed at substandard recycling facilities, or is exported outside Europe.

Approximately 2.6 million tons of WEEE plastics are generated annually in Europe, whereas around 55% of plastics entering facilities is effectively recycled, i.e. turned into PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastics that can be used in the manufacture of new plastics products. The study also assesses the impact caused by the presence of Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) on the recycling of WEEE plastics.