Electronic Waste Dilemma in Switzerland: An Environmental Concern

Switzerland is world famous as an international tourist destination, a rich country with high level banking, for precision instruments and a lot more. Sadly, it is now getting infamous for e-waste! 

The issue of electronic waste (e-waste) has become a pressing environmental concern globally. A recent study by Greenpeace has shed light on a disconcerting practice in Switzerland, where an estimated 300 tonnes of perfectly functional new electrical goods are being destroyed annually. With this report I aim to explore the environmental implications of this wasteful practice, discussing the key findings from Greenpeace's study and the role of major retailers.

Background: With electronics devices quickly being integrated into modern life, e-waste is becoming a growing challenge. The improper disposal of electronic goods can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards due to the presence of toxic substances. Greenpeace's study in Switzerland highlights a specific aspect of this problem – the destruction of perfectly usable new electronic goods, many of which are returned by customers.

However, retailers also have a role to play in this conundrum. The study identifies major Swiss retailers, including Digitec, Galaxus, Fust, and Interdiscount, with connections to retail giants Migros or Coop, as key contributors to this wasteful practice. Greenpeace attributes the destruction of these goods to the retailers' focus on minimizing costs. This raises several environmental and ethical questions about the environmental responsibility of businesses in the electronic retail sector.

Methodology and Tracking: Greenpeace researchers conducted a comprehensive study, returning goods with trackers to trace their fate. The study involved ordering 25 products priced at less than CHF 120 from Digitec Galaxus. Shockingly, six of these items, including a radio, a keyboard with a mouse, two electric toasters, and two cameras, were dismantled and dumped despite being in perfect condition. This methodology provides concrete evidence of the unnecessary destruction of functional electronic goods.

Greenpeace's investigation also includes insights obtained from questionnaires, revealing that 40% of unsold products from Fust, a major retailer, end up being recycled. However, this recycling rate remains insufficient, given the scale of destruction highlighted in the study. The discrepancy between the high percentage of recyclable items and the large volume of goods being destroyed raises questions about the effectiveness of current recycling practices and the need for more sustainable solutions.

Environmental Impact: The wanton destruction of new electronic goods in Switzerland not only contributes to the growing problem of e-waste but also contradicts the principles of a circular economy. This practice results in unnecessary resource depletion, energy consumption, and the release of harmful substances into the environment during disposal. The environmental impact of such practices extends beyond the borders of Switzerland, affecting global ecosystems and contributing to the broader challenge of e-waste management.

The findings of Greenpeace's study underscore the urgent need for a reevaluation of electronic goods disposal practices in Switzerland. Retailers, particularly those connected to major corporations like Migros and Coop, must prioritize sustainable and environmentally responsible approaches. Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort from the government, businesses, and consumers to promote circular economy practices, reduce e-waste, and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Source

https://lenews.ch/2023/11/18/300-tonnes-of-new-electronic-goods-destroyed-in-switzerland-annually/