DISPOSING OF APPLIANCES AND DEVICES - EASY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND

NEWS

Results of the general waste analysis call for increased awareness raising and informational efforts

Although Austria enjoys relatively good collection compliance and willingness to separate waste compared with other European countries, a lot of products and materials end up in general waste that do not belong there.

The analysis carried out in 2018 showed that, extrapolated to the entire population, every resident simply threw 1.3 kg of electrical equipment and 0.1 kg of batteries into the rubbish bin. This is not only a waste of resources, it is harmful to health and the environment. Even the smallest electrical devices contain valuable raw materials as well as hazardous contents, such as rechargeable batteries, that do not belong in general waste since they can cause fires.

What are considered “small appliances”?

Small appliances include nearly all portable electrical devices, such as irons, mixers, coffee machines, electrical pepper mills, electric razors, electric toothbrushes, blood pressure meters (wired/battery), radios, CD players, video recorders including remote control, but also tools such as drills and circular saws. In addition, all computer accessories such as keyboards, printers, mice, USB sticks, computer games (consoles), telephones and headsets, in other words all devices whose longest rigid side edge is shorter than 50 cm.

2000 municipal collection points in Austria

Rechargeable batteries and old electrical devices, whether large or small, can be dropped off at the roughly 2000 municipal collection sites, recycling centers or waste collection sites in Austria – conveniently and at no expense. They are then appropriately recycled or disposed of.

Addresses and hours for the Austrian collection points can be found HERE.