ECOTIC supports direct exchange between consumers and authorized operators for the collection of used electrical equipment, an essential step for reducing environmental impact and stimulating efficient and fair recycling.
What is the 1 to 1 System?
The 1 to 1 system is the mechanism by which, for each replaced electrical or electronic equipment, consumers can return an old equipment for recycling free of charge. Under this program, for any new product purchased, a similar used electrical equipment can be returned, according to Romanian regulations.
The program is regulated by OUG 5 / 2015, which aims to protect the environment and prevent the generation of electrical waste by collecting, transporting and recycling it in a correct manner. According to GEO 5/2015, every retailer of electrical products is obliged to collect used equipment, ensuring that it is directed towards correct recycling, according to the norms imposed by law.
Benefits of the 1 to 1 System
- Waste Reduction: The system significantly contributes to reducing the amount of used electrical equipment that ends up in landfills, preventing soil and water pollution.
- Environmental Protection: By recycling WEEE, hazardous materials, such as mercury or lead, are properly managed, thus avoiding environmental contamination.
- Developing the Circular Economy: The program supports the development of the circular economy, a model in which materials recovered through recycling are reused, thus contributing to reducing dependence on natural resources for the manufacture of new equipment.
- Facilitating Access to Recycling: Consumers can easily hand over old equipment, in exchange for the purchase of a new product, directly in stores, without having to travel to separate collection centers.
How is the 1 to 1 System practiced?
To benefit from this system, consumers must hand in their old electrical equipment when purchasing a new one directly at the retailer. In particular, each time an electrical or electronic product is purchased, sellers are obliged to collect the used equipment. This is an important step towards achieving the objectives set by national and European legislation on e-waste management.
Relevant legislation: GEO 5/2015
According to the OUG 5 / 2015, retailers that place electrical products on the market are obliged to ensure the collection of used equipment, offering solutions for their free collection.
GEO 5/2015 stipulates that “natural or legal persons who place new electrical and electronic equipment on the market are obliged to collect, transport and recycle waste electrical and electronic equipment in a way that does not harm health and the environment.”
ECOTIC supports the integration of circular economy principles into everyday life and consumer behavior, encouraging responsible recycling and environmental protection. Also, to facilitate the return of used electrical equipment, ECOTIC places collection containers at stores and retailers, offering consumers a simple and accessible way to return WEEE for recycling, directly at the points of sale.
In conclusion, the 1 to 1 System represents a significant step in the transition towards a more sustainable society, by promoting the efficient recycling of WEEE, and ECOTIC continues to be a trusted partner in the implementation of this system, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for all.
