Our impact in 2024
No two years are the same, and 2024 was no exception. In collaboration with partners, Recupel once again stepped up its efforts to improve collection, promote reuse, and further optimise the processing of discarded electrical appliances. Our approach? Testing new ideas, learning from real-world feedback, and continuously refining what works.
Pilot project: from toaster to second life
How can we improve the reuse and repair of electrical appliances through separate collection? In summer 2024, a pilot project at the Fleurus recycling park set out to do just that — with the support of intermunicipal waste authority Tibi, cooperative Cyréo, second-hand stores Ressourcerie du Val de Sambre and R-Store in Montigny-le-Tilleul, and Recupel.
Visitors were invited to drop off their used breakfast appliances – such as kettles, coffee machines, and waffle irons – in a dedicated Recupel container at the park entrance. The items were refurbished by Cyréo and found their way back onto the shelves of local reuse shops. The pilot proved a success, and the collection has since expanded to include a broader range of kitchen appliances.
→ Meet Philippe Teller, director of the Tibi intermunicipal waste authority.
Strong growth for Recupel’s free workplace collections
Recupel’s free Pick-up service saw significant growth in 2024. More and more businesses, schools, hospitals and organisations rely on this convenient solution to have their used appliances collected and recycled or reused responsibly. The service now also includes the collection of professional refrigerators and freezers.
With Pick-up, organisations can give their waste a second life, with just a few clicks via the online tool. Once the request is submitted, Recupel takes care of everything. A transporter confirms the appointment and collects the devices within a few working days. A practical, low-threshold and environmentally friendly solution for companies.
Electro Re-Use Forum: united for re-use
In 2024, Recupel again hosted its Electro Re-Use Forum at the site of long-time partner ElectroSofie. The goal was to highlight successful collaborations and best practices between the regular and social economy in the re-use of household electrical appliances.
The event brought together manufacturers, retailers, and re-use centres to exchange insights on shared projects, challenges and opportunities. Möbius moderated a panel discussion on the benefits and complexities of working with social economy partners. The forum proved to be a valuable platform for learning, networking, and sparking fresh ideas to give even more used appliances a second life.
Spotlight on unused electronics
A new ownership study carried out by Recupel in autumn 2024 shows that the average Belgian household owns 106 electronic devices, 12 of which are no longer used. That adds up to an estimated 55 million unused devices across the country, many of which could still be reused or recycled.
To highlight the issue, Recupel launched a powerful awareness campaign during the European Week for Waste Reduction. Two iconic buildings – the Boerentoren in Antwerp and the Bastion Tower in Brussels – were lit up with a giant projection of discarded devices, visually demonstrating just how much space all those forgotten items take up. The goal: spark reflection and encourage action. Let’s give unused electronics a second life.
