Interested of the topic E-WASTE, Radio SI invited Dr. Marinka Vovk from ORZ to present the EWAsTER project topics in its THINK GREEN section!
As the interview is in Slovenian, we translated for you part of the conversation with Dr. Marinka Vovk, representing the Slovenian project partner – Environmental Research Institute (ORZ).
Enjoy reading!
Interviewer: Due to the industry close to the Mediterranean, trash exerts significant pressure on the water and beaches. This is especially true in areas where illegal trash disposal sites still exist in large numbers. This problem is being addressed by the project E-WASTER, which aims to turn waste into a resource and is funded by Interreg Euro-MED. It is represented by the Environmental Research Institute, with more details provided by Dr. Marinka Vovk.
Dr. Marinka Vovk: The E-WASTER project, in which the Environmental Research Institute is a part, addresses the growing use of natural resources and aims to change attitudes toward these resources. The main challenge is to find new business models that will create new products and solutions from waste. The primary goal is to support local and regional policies in addressing this problem more effectively. It is crucial that this work is carried out trans-nationally so that uniform regulations are applied throughout the Mediterranean. Without the cooperation of countries, we cannot solve the issues in the Mediterranean, especially in areas where trash is still being dumped because local and regional authorities fail to implement the necessary rules to reduce waste and improve its lifecycle. To prevent such behavior, E-WASTER is tackling these problems.
Interviewer: The rate of recycling e-waste is high in Europe, with 80% of e-waste being recycled. The issue, however, is that the collection rate is low, even though Europe has the highest production of e-waste per person. Dr. Marinka Vovk, can you explain the main tasks for the large consortium involved in this project?
Dr. Marinka Vovk: I can highlight three key tasks for the project. Firstly, the preparation of local action plans. Secondly, testing solutions to improve the management of e-waste throughout the Mediterranean. Lastly, implementing solutions in all Mediterranean areas to address e-waste issues. It involves testing new and innovative methods to identify future solutions that will support eco-innovation and new business models based on rental and collaboration. This can create a completely new way of managing e-waste circularly. Instead of a linear approach, we will adopt a circular one. These solutions require a change in mindset, raising awareness among companies for long-term sustainability.
Interviewer: Project E-WASTER, co-financed by the Euro-MED program, aims to support local and regional policies in better managing e-waste to reduce environmental damage in selected areas and foster new circular, innovative ideas for handling e-waste. The project focuses on converting the current linear electronics sector into a circular, long-lasting model. For this to work, key actors in this field need to collaborate. These key actors include producers, importers, waste management companies, recyclers, reuse organizations, municipalities, regional authorities, the public, and school children.
Here is the full recording of the interview:
