Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Date of latest update: 2026-01-29

Description

Description (EN):

THE ISSUE Electronic waste (eWASTE) is growing much faster than regular waste stream, and EU has the highest per-capita rate of eWASTE production, while, from 2019, Directive establish a collection rate of 65% of all eWASTE placed on the market in the preceding 3 years. However, many countries haven't been able to meet this goal. In the ADRION region, only Croatia has achieved the 65% target while Italy, Greece, and Slovenia are bottom 5 of EU, only managing to collect 30% to 40% of their eWASTE. Unofficial data suggests that countries in the IPA (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance) region are even worse off. One additional risk affecting ADRION is the illegal shipping of eWASTE. In 2021, a review by the EU Court of Auditors found that there were 99 illegal shipments of eWASTE within the EU. ADRION countries are hit particularly hard, with three EU countries reporting violations of shipping rules and illegal dumping sites (299 just in Italy) in the last 5 years. Since IPA countries are not closely monitored or covered by regulations, they are at an even greater risk than EU member states. The illegal shipping of eWASTE needs a coordinated approach across borders, especially in the ADRION area where disparities between regulation are still very strong. This situation facilitates frequent cases of illegal management of eWASTE, posing serious environmental risks, especially in terms of getting rid of harmful substances. It often happens that electrical and electronic waste, once stripped of its most valuable components, is illegally dumped with no regard for toxic substances. THE OPPORTUNITY On average, for every 1,000 tonnes of eWASTE processed, there are about 70 job opportunities. This number increases by 20% for collection and 15% for reselling. For instance, according to the US Coalition for American Electronics Recycling, 245 jobs are created for every 1,000 tonnes. If the eWASTE currently being abroad EU were processed within EU member states instead, it could create more than 4,000 new jobs. Additionally, considering the eWASTE within the EU that hasn't been recovered yet (over 1 million tonnes), it could potentially generate more than 60,000 new job opportunities. OBJECTIVE The goal of CircleWaste is to support the long-term sustainability of businesses that add economic, environmental and social value to the Waste from Electronic and Electric Equipment (eWASTE), by providing businesses with a consistent source of eWASTE for their circular model, ensuring a continuous cycle of use and reuse. CONSORTIUM A group of 12 partners from 8 ADRION countries will collaborate to develop collective solutions aimed at boosting eWASTE businesses in the region. Some main outputs will be the Transnational Strategy for promotion of eWASTE circular economy in the Adrion region, and its implementation into a Territorial Action Plans (TAPs). These will support the consortium in the implementation of pilot actions which will test 3 innovative solutions, which will then be expanded on a larger scale by the consortium:

Actual Achievements (EN):

During Reporting Period 1, the CircleWaste project achieved significant progress throughout the first six months of implementation. Below is a detailed overview of the achievements according to the activities outlined in the Workplan. ACTIVITY 1.1. TRANSNATIONAL ADREEE OFFICE AND LOCAL WORKING GROUPS During Reporting Period 1, the Transnational ADREEE Office was established, including the formation of three key HUBs: the Scientific HUB (PP02-CPU, PP05-DNUEA, PP07-CED), the Business HUB (PP03-ASSO, PP04-AEIPLOUS, PP06-LINK), and the Awareness HUB (PP08-Mirdita, PP09-Kicevo, PP11-ZWMNE, PP12-Tuzi). The creation of the Transnational ADREEE Office and its HUBs has facilitated cooperation among consortium members, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to tackling sustainable e-waste management in the ADRION region. Due to the positive outcome of its establishment in managing and coordinating partner activities during this first implementation period, the Transnational ADREEE Office and its HUBs are expected to remain active throughout the upcoming implementation periods and beyond the end of the CircleWaste project. As part of this same activity, three types of working groups have been formed for each partner: Local eWaste Working Groups, ADREEE Transnational Working Group, and Local Policy Group. These groups will work together, developing synergies between the different areas of the project and providing a framework for creating innovative and locally adapted solutions. Specifically, the different working groups will be involved in reviewing and validating the Regional Market Assessments, the Territorial Action Plans, as well as implementing the pilots during the second work package. ACTIVITY 1.2. EWASTE BUSINESS MARKET ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING SYSTEMS The main objective of this activity is to gain a detailed understanding of the market in each cooperation area and the challenges in electronic waste management. To this end, PP7 CED created a survey aimed at producers, importers, recyclers, reuse organizations, and local authorities, with the goal of gathering relevant information on recycling practices, policy implementation, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness of e-waste in each of the CircleWaste consortium countries. A total of 185 responses were collected and analyzed to create the structure of the Market Assessment, which will be used by all project partners to develop their own eWaste Business Market Assessment during Reporting Period 2. ACTIVITY 1.6. COMMUNICATION WITH TARGET GROUPS During Reporting Period 1, PP11 ZWMNE, as Communication Leader, developed the Communication Strategy, which includes the definition of communication goals, target groups, dissemination activities, and the most suitable channels to reach each of these groups (website, social media, etc.). Among other communication activities, key highlights include the installation of a copy of the official project poster at each partner's premises, regular updates to the project’s website and social media, and the publication of project-related news on each consortium member’s communication channels. The main communication indicators targeted during the implementation of CircleWaste are as follows: - More than 4,000 citizens reached through direct communication actions - 200 external key actors participating in technical project activities - More than 1,500 website visits per year Through the implementation of these communication activities, the project reached around 17.000 visits to news posted in partners social media posts during the first implementation period of CircleWaste. In terms of key actors involvement, 185 organizations participated in the data collection questionnaire on the eWaste situation in the different consortium areas. Finally, during the first period, the project website received around 400 visits. It is expected that, with the launch of awareness campaigns, participation of the Local Working Groups, and pilot activities, the number of website visits will increase exponentially. COORDINATION ACTIVITIES During this initial project period, important coordination activities were carried out, including the formation of the Steering Committee and the signing of key agreements that formalized collaboration among partners. Internal meetings were also held to align objectives and define the work framework. The coordination and communication activities have been essential in ensuring all partners work cohesively, allowing the project to move forward smoothly and ensuring that results are widely disseminated. Furthermore, the establishment of a strong network and the creation of effective communication tools have enabled smoother partner integration across all project phases, contributing to the successful and long-term implementation of e-waste management strategies. During the first two implementation periods, the CircleWaste project has achieved significant progress towards the practical implementation of its main objective: promoting a circular model for eWASTE management in the ADRION region. In the first period of the project, the foundations for transnational cooperation and the collection of relevant information were established: the ADREEE Transnational Office was created, and Local Working Groups (LWGs) were set up in the eight participating territories, ensuring the participation of key stakeholders from the public, private, and social sectors. The eWASTE questionnaire was designed and distributed, collecting initial responses that served as the basis for market diagnostics. Additionally, the preparation of the Joint eWASTE Business Market Assessment and the structure of the Regional eWASTE Business Market Assessments was initiated, establishing the methodological framework for subsequent analyses. In terms of communication, the Communication Strategy was defined and validated during this period, ensuring consistency in the dissemination of results and the engagement of target groups. Key coordination milestones included the Kick-Off Meeting or Validation Workshop 1 (VW1) in Ljubljana (Slovenia), the first consortium meeting where project objectives were explained, financial aspects were addressed, and the initial tasks were established; and VW2 in Podgorica (Montenegro), where the Communication Strategy and the structure of the LWGs were validated. The work of Period 2 focused mainly on WP1, whose specific objective is to establish the technical and strategic foundations necessary for the development of the Territorial Action Plans (TAPs) and future pilot actions. Under the coordination of PP2 CPU, the partners completed the main transnational outputs planned for this stage, strengthening cooperation among the eight participating territories and creating a solid shared working structure. Among the most relevant results are the completion of the 8 Regional eWASTE Market Assessments, the preparation of the Joint eWASTE Business Market Assessment, and the drafting and validation of the Transnational Strategy for promoting the circular economy of eWASTE in the ADRION region. These documents, collectively validated by the consortium during VW3 held in Kicevo (North Macedonia), provide the technical and methodological basis to guide the project’s future actions. The Regional Market Assessments provide a detailed overview of the eWASTE market situation in each territory, including data on business structures, regulatory frameworks, waste flows, and innovation opportunities. In parallel, the Joint Assessment integrates all this information into a common analysis identifying shared trends and transnational challenges. Based on this knowledge, the Transnational Strategy provides a roadmap for the coordinated development of circular solutions and defines the common methodology for designing the TAPs that each partner will develop in the next phase. A particularly notable aspect has been the extensive involvement of the target groups. Through the LWGs, SMEs in the eWASTE sector, local and regional authorities, and environmental NGOs and associations actively participated in information gathering and validation of preliminary analyses. In total, 185 questionnaires were completed by key stakeholders in the sector, complemented by local meetings that allowed data verification and enriched the regional diagnostics. In parallel, PP11 ZWMNE, in its role as Communication Manager, coordinated the implementation of the Communication Strategy, ensuring continuous dissemination of project progress and engagement of target groups. During this period, partners maintained active communication through social media, local, and institutional media, generating increasing interest around the opportunities of the circular economy. The added value of transnational cooperation has become evident over the first year of implementation. Continuous exchange among partners has allowed comparison of regulatory frameworks, identification of good practices, and development of solutions adaptable to different contexts. The joint working structure, through the ADREEE Transnational Office and the three thematic HUBs, facilitated smooth and balanced collaboration based on mutual learning and joint result-building. Thanks to this approach, partners moved from individual analysis to truly coordinated regional planning. Overall, the first two periods of CircleWaste can be considered a stage of technical, methodological, and relational establishment and consolidation. Cooperation and communication among partners and target groups have been strengthened, consolidating a transnational collaboration network.

Project outputs: One Transnational Strategy for promotion of eWASTE circular economy in the Adrion region

One Joint Territorial Action Plan for promotion of eWASTE circular economy complemented with 8 smallers TAP(EN)
ADREEE Transnational Office Organizations (EN)
Pilot actions to test COLLECT 1 and 2(EN)
FINAL version of COLLECT 1 and 2
(EN)

Thematic information

Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_IPA-A_2) Supporting a greener and climate resilient Adriatic-Ionian region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 067 Household waste management: prevention, minimisation, sorting, reuse, recycling measures

Partners (14)

Lead Partner: Združenje občin Slovenije

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950606791

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 14486199

Address: Dunajska, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.zdruzenjeobcin.si

Total budget: EUR 200 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 170 170.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 030.00

Opština Tuzi

Name: Opština Tuzi

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 895318537

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02628988 | Identifier number (EN)

Address: Tuzi Street, 81206 Tuzi, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://tuzi.org.me/cg/naslovna/

Total budget: EUR 40 180.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 34 153.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 027.00

Crna Gora bez smeca

Name: Crna Gora bez smeca

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 884180318

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 11017410 | 8388 | Registration number (EN)

Address: Vuka Karadzica, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.zerowastemontenegro.me

Total budget: EUR 133 518.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 113 490.30

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 027.70

Здружение за развој на младите “Европска Младинска Асоцијација”

Name: Здружение за развој на младите “Европска Младинска Асоцијација”

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 903101041

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4012018515221 | 7271239 | National registration number (EN)

Address: 11 Oktomvri, 6250 Kicevo, North Macedonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.europeanyouth.org

Total budget: EUR 117 180.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 99 603.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 577.00

Општина Кичево

Name: Општина Кичево

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4012004118718

Address: Boris Kidric, 6250 Kicevo, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.kicevo.gov.mk

Total budget: EUR 78 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 66 640.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 11 760.00

Bashkia Mirdite

Name: Bashkia Mirdite

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 884979307

Partner’s ID if not PIC: K39004005W

Address: Abat Doçi Square, 4601 Rrëshen , Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://bashkiamirdite.gov.al/

Total budget: EUR 40 040.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 34 034.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 006.00

Center for Education and Development

Name: Center for Education and Development

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 948586184

Partner’s ID if not PIC: L01927452U

Address: Rr. Xhanfize Keko, 1023 Tirana, Albania

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website (not verified): http://www.uetcentre.org

Total budget: EUR 132 209.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 112 377.65

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 831.35

Udruženje LINK PODUZETNIČKI CENTAR

Name: Udruženje LINK PODUZETNIČKI CENTAR

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 911006153

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N / A | 4227108000006 | identification number assigned by Tax authorities in BiH (EN)

Address: Bulevar narodne revolucije , 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.linkmostar.org

Total budget: EUR 140 182.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 119 154.70

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 027.30

REGIONALNA RAZVOJNA AGENCIJA DUBROVAČKO-NERETVANSKE ŽUPANIJE - DUNEA

Name: REGIONALNA RAZVOJNA AGENCIJA DUBROVAČKO-NERETVANSKE ŽUPANIJE - DUNEA

Department: Department for Preparation and Implementation of EU projects.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 900218007

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR59914845989

Address: Ulica branitelja Dubrovnika , 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Department address: Ulica branitelja Dubrovnika , 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.dunea.hr/

Total budget: EUR 156 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 133 280.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 520.00

ΙΝΣΤΙΤΟΥΤΟ ΚΑΙΝΟΤΟΜΙΑΣ & ΒΙΩΣΙΜΗΣ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΗΣ

Name: ΙΝΣΤΙΤΟΥΤΟ ΚΑΙΝΟΤΟΜΙΑΣ & ΒΙΩΣΙΜΗΣ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΗΣ

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 967492454

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL998220080

Address: Patras Science Park, Stadiou Street, Platani, 26504 Patras, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.aeiplous.org

Total budget: EUR 170 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 145 180.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 25 620.00

ASSO - Agenzia per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile

Name: ASSO - Agenzia per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 898852053

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT04356920407 | 90030110390 | FISCAL CODE (EN)

Address: Via Pirandello, 37138 Verona, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Enterprise, except SME

Website: http://www.associazioneasso.it

Total budget: EUR 212 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 180 625.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 875.00

Contractors:

Name: Ante Vekic
VAT registration or tax identification number: 66458603214
Name: Nicola Montevecchi
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT02685820405
Name: Marco Affronte
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT04476310406
Name: VAI ARRAM
VAT registration or tax identification number: ESB06692396
Name: Enrico Anghileri
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03684411204
Name: NAXTA srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02135061204
Name: Fiproject doo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 96165284222

CENTER PONOVNE UPORABE d.o.o., SO.P.

Name: CENTER PONOVNE UPORABE d.o.o., SO.P.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 929304621

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI76950972 | 6129935000 | identification number (EN)

Address: VRAZOVA ULICA, 2270 ORMOŽ, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://www.cpu-reuse.com/

Total budget: EUR 155 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 132 022.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 298.00

Qendra UET

Name: Qendra UET

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 948586184

Partner’s ID if not PIC: L01927452U

Address: Rr. Xhanfize Keko, 1023 Tirana, Albania

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website (not verified): http://www.uetcentre.org

Total budget: EUR 132 209.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 112 377.65

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 831.35

Udruženje za poduzetništvo i posao LiNK

Name: Udruženje za poduzetništvo i posao LiNK

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 911006153

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N / A | 4227108000006 | identification number assigned by Tax authorities in BiH (EN)

Address: Bulevar narodne revolucije , 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.linkmostar.org

Total budget: EUR 140 182.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 119 154.70

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 027.30

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Tuzi

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

Zero Waste Montenegro

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

Association for Youth Development "European Youth Association“

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Kicevo

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Mirdita

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

Center for Education and Development

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

Association LINK ENTREPRENEURIAL CENTER

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY - DUNEA

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

INSTITUTE FOR INNOVATION & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

ASSO Agency for Sustainable Development

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

REUSE CENTER

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

ZDRUŽENJE OBCIN SLOVENIJE

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

Qendra UET

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Partners and Projects info

Udruženje za poduzetništvo i posao LiNK

Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

Project acronym: CIRCLEWASTE

Project ID: IPA-ADRION00124

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-08-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR)
https://ewwr.eu/
(EN) | The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is the biggest campaign to raise awareness about waste prevention in Europe. Driven by local and regional public authorities, they bring together all sorts of other actors — citizens, schools, businesses, NGOs, associations — who organise activities to raise awareness about waste reduction.
The Week is a week in November; normally the last week of the month about sustainable consumption and circular economy in EU communities.
EWWR’s objectives are:
- to raise awareness about waste reduction, product reuse and material recycling strategies, and related European Union and Member States policies,
- to highlight the work accomplished by EWWR participants,
- to mobilise and encourage European citizens to concentrate on four key action themes,
- to reinforce EWWR stakeholders’ capacities by providing them with targeted communication tools and training.
EWWR has many thematic tools, which will be very valuable for the different communication activities of the project, in order to easy the key actors involvement in the technical activities.
Materials will be also used in the EWASTE pilot and solution, while the project will use the Week to increase the visibility of the project by participating in it.
(EN), WEEE Forum
https://weee-forum.org/
(EN) | The WEEE Forum is the largest centre of operational know-how about the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment. It is a not-for-profit association of 44 WEEE producer responsibility organisations across the world and was founded in April 2002.
Through exchange of best practice and access to its knowledge base toolbox, the WEEE Forum enables to improve operations and be known as promoters of the circular economy.
The WEEE Forum is a global platform for facilitating knowledge and best practice exchange between organisations across the eWASTE value chain. Their focus is to help to continuously improve the eWASTE management strategies and techniques. A beacon of excellence. They are committed to advancing the cause of a circular economy and to help Europe remain a pioneer and a source of inspiration for the rest of the world.
WEEE forum will be useful in several project actions and task, such as the market assessment, where key actors are to be involved, due to the forum has a large list of members which can be involved thanks to one unique interlocutor. Also communication, awareness and transferability will be reinforced if the forum support the project.
(EN), InnoWEEE
http://www.innoweee.eu/en/home
Supported by EIT Climate-KIC
(EN) | InnoWEEE aims to improve the traceability and data collection of the eWASTE value chain. This initiative seeks a new management model for WEEE collection to boost recovery, reuse and recycling, a second life for Electrical and Electronic Equipment, promoting citizens and students behavioural change toward sustainability.
InnoWEEE aims to increase the eWASTE collection through innovative strategies such as the use of smart bins and the implementation of a web-platform, which will be tested in three pilot areas. The project aims to put into practice efficient processes for the valorisation of resources, both through the regeneration and re-use of still usable devices, and through the correct recycling and evaluation of valuable materials that can be reintroduced into the production cycle.
InnoWEEE intends to use localization services for the collection and transport flows of the appliances collected throughout the supply chain, from the transfer to the recovery and recycling phases, through a web platform based on interoperable data and standard ICT protocols.
InnoWEEE results for the collecting, their campaigns and the material used could be a very interesting feedback into the definition and implementation of the WEEE competitions and WEEE logistic service to be implemented in the areas with these pilots.
(EN), Ellen MacArthur Foundation
https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/
Funding from UN, EC, EU Governments.
(EN) | The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. We develop and promote the idea of a circular economy, and work with business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.
The Foundation is a reference in the promotion of waste circularity and, working with reference international administrations, has created evidence-based researches on the benefits of a circular economy, and how it can contribute to solving global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. They have ample public research exploring the opportunities across stakeholders and sectors, and highlight examples of how circular economy principles are being put into practice today.
As the Foundation is open to support organisations and individuals with formal learning opportunities through circular economy courses, and create resources for teachers and academics, the project will use the resources to be implemented in campaigns for the different target groups.
(EN), E-waste race
https://raceagainstwaste.org/en/e-waste-race
(EN) | The E-waste Race is a competition between schools in a region to collect as much electronic waste as possible from people in the neighborhood. During an E-waste Race, local residents can register their electronic waste lying around on this website. Students and local residents then make an appointment to have the waste collected from their home. Upon collection of the e-waste, the school scores points which are tallied within our platform. After four weeks, the winner will be announced who will win a great school trip. The E-waste race makes collecting electronic waste fun, educational and easy!
The E-waste Race works together with local municipalities and local waste companies. The e-waste that is collected at schools is properly disposed of and recycled by these parties.
The NGO has been organizing E-waste Races in the Netherlands since 2014.
93 E-waste Races since 2014
932 Teams from different schools
1.655.459 Devices collected
14.017 kg Average collected kilos per E-waste Race
20.185 kg Average CO2 emissions saved per E-waste Race
The E-waste Race has had impressive results in a short time proving that well aimed campaigns can mobilize the citizens and achieve good long-term results.
CircleWASTE project will use their information, cooperate with them and try to get involved in their model when defining the awareness and the pilot actions in COLLECT.
(EN),
HORIZON 2020 projects
CloseWEEE
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/641747
C-SERVEES
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/776714
METALLICA
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/781060
EWASTE Challenge
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/844822
(EN) |
CircleWaste integrates three interlinked research and innovation areas for an improved, resource-efficient recycling of WEEE, and its application will be analysed in the marker analysis and the TAP definitions, that will be later integrated in the pilots.
C-SERVEES aims to boost a resource-efficient circular economy in the electrical and electronic (E&E) sector through the development, testing, validation and transfer of new circular economic business models (CEBMs) based on systemic eco-innovative services. This samples of application will be very useful when defining the solution 1, or analysing further services to be provided by the EWASTE business once the long-term sustainability is assured.
METALLICA tested new systems for the processing of eWASTE with resource efficiency technology, which can be analysed by the EWASTE business receiving the WEEE in the collecting pilots.
EWASTE challenge has researched low cost technologies to improve eWASTE management, which could be applied in the solutions for business promotion, but also in the Methodolocy for TAP definitions, as options to introduce innovative management systems.
(EN),
Interreg projects from KEEP.eu database
https://keep.eu/
LIFE program database
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/index.cfm
(EN) |
LIFE program database and KEEP database have together dozens of reference to project with tools and product related to Waste Management Strategies, circular economy promotion, and even some working partially on eWASTE.
LIFE CORDIS database, and Interreg database (keep.eu) will be analysed by the project leader and provided in the synthesis of the market analysis in WP1, as a general review of best practices, which will be presented and validated by partners, in order to be integrated in the ADRION STRATEGY and METHODOLOGY to create Transnational Action Plans.
Some of the already identified projects are:
- STRAEE CBC Spain-Portugal, proposes internal cross-border markets for WEEE raw materials, promoting online mapping of actors and resources.
- Circular WEEEP Central Europe, is not running, but announce to connect public authorities to identify good practices and define common waste criteria.
- TransWaste Central Europe. Approach WEEE in different ways, such as new repairing techniques, recycling or raw materials reselling.
- SHAREPAIR North West EU has promoted the scaling up of repair by guiding citizens towards the best repair solutions, by developing digital support tools and.
- CIRCLE Interreg ADRION aims at increasing and spread knowledge on practical viability of circular economy principles, through a collaborative approach involving innovation producers business actors, administrative and financial organisms as well as civil society within urban areas, where the biggest amount of waste is produced but also places where innovative models can be implemented.
Most found practices in KEEP will feed into the Market Analysis and the later STRATEGY.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 577 329.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 340 729.65

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

ADREEE Transnational Office and local working Groups
Local and Regional Assessment of the eWASTE business market
Transnational Strategy for promotion of eWASTE circular economy in the Adrion region
Methodology for the implementation of the Transnational Strategy into local level by Territorial
ICT Platform
Online tool for self-design of Territorial Action Plans
Training platform and content
Territorial Action Plans for promotion of eWASTE circular economy
Pilot Action Roadmap
Communication Strategy for CircleWaste target groups
One clipping or report of communication covering every semester
One risk review per semester
Agreement on transnational cooperation system
Description and report on COLLECT solutions
Bi-annual, MID and Final monitoring reports on the actions and KPIs achieved in the pilots.
One clipping or report of communication covering every semester
Improved versions of 3 deliverables D.1.3.1, D.1.3.2, D.1.4.2. and D.2.3.1
Final Transnational Action Plans endorsed by local public and private stakeholders
Long-term Cooperation Agreement for eWASTE business promotion
Training actions to increase capacity of eWASTE business, interest groups and policymakers
One clipping or report of communication covering every semester

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal
The European Commission adopted the new circular economy action plan (CEAP) in March 2020. It is one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal, Europe’s new agenda for sustainable growth.
Interreg ADRION Program states that project actions should contribute to the implementation of the relevant EU framework policies such as the EU Green Deal and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and therefore improve product life cycles, promote circular economy processes and foster sustainable consumption (refuse; rethink; reduce; reuse; repair; refurbish; remanufacture; repurpose; recycle; recover).
Interreg ADRION projects, such as CircleWASTE, support territories as well as national and regional policies to achieve these targets.
CircleWASTE fully aims at this objective promoting policy change in the full range of options to better manage the e-waste, and promote ewaste businesses.
In the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, e-waste is the first defined key value chains, which shows the importance of this problem to CE.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The Strategy is divided into four pillars, which represent the three key challenges of the Strategy: Blue growth, Connecting the Region, Environmental quality, Sustainable tourism.
The specific objectives for Environmental quality pillar are:
1. To ensure a good environmental and ecological status of the marine and coastal environment by 2020.
2. To contribute to the goal of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020.
3. To improve waste management by reducing waste flows to the sea and, to reduce nutrient flows and other pollutants to the rivers and the sea.
E-waste components, such as heavy metals and batteries are dangerous water and soil polluters, and such as it is confirmed in different EU wide analysis (European Court of Auditors, Countering WEEE Illegal Trade project, e-waste monitor, etc.) its uncontrolled treatment and dumping is creating serious damage to the environment, the biodiversity and the water quality.
CircleWASTE is fully aligned with the 3 specific objectives for Environmental quality pillar.
Additionally, the current 2014 version of the Strategy doesn't mention circular economy, but the recent Commission report from March 2021 about the EUSAIR provide a clear recommendation on Pillar 3 revision, stating that in EUSAIR “newer concepts, such as circular economy, need to be included in the revised EUSAIR Action Plan”.
8th Annual EUSAIR Forum, 23-25 May 2023, highlighted how improving waste management practises is a priority in the region. “By implementing innovative waste management solutions, promoting recycling and circular economy principles, and raising awareness of responsible waste management, the Adriatic-Ionian region can significantly reduce marine pollution and waste and protect the overall health of the marine and coastal environment.”
Other
Territorial Agenda 2030 defines two overarching objectives, a Just Europe and a Green Europe, which have six priorities for developing the European territory. Greener Eu has 3 priorities, one of which is Circular Economy.
Territorial Agenda 2030 support Europe’s transition to a circular economy, supporting the development of local and regional circular economy strategies, such as it is foreseen in WP1 of CircleWASTE.
The Agenda defines how to move to circular value chains through long-lasting design, maintenance, repair, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing and recycling. All these aspects are covered in some of the pilot actions and planned solutions of the project.
Other
“Circular electronics initiative” inside the New Circular Economy Action Plan
In its resolution of 10 February 2021 on the New Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Parliament supported the Circular Electronics Initiative, which should address the shortcomings in durability, circular design, presence of hazardous and harmful substances, recycled content, reparability, access to spare parts, upgradability, e-waste prevention, collection, reuse and recycling.
The circular electronics initiative that would promote longer product lifetimes and include, among others, the following actions:
- regulatory measures for electronics and ICT including mobile phones, tablets and laptops under the Ecodesign Directive;
- implementation of the ‘right to repair’, including a right to update obsolete software;
- regulatory measures on chargers for mobile phones and similar devices (including the introduction of a common charger);
- improvement of the collection and treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment;
- review of EU rules on restrictions of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
It also called for the integration of issues linked to early obsolescence including product obsolescence caused by software changes; and for the harmonisation and improvement of recycling infrastructure for waste electrical and electronic equipment in the EU.
In all the presented activities, CrcleWaste project is aligned with the support of this Initiative.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-01

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

70 / 70 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

653 / 653 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Scaling up eWASTE circular economy in Adrion region

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Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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