Although consumers in Bulgaria are increasingly less likely to throw away their electrical appliances in the general waste, most tend to keep them at home as a spare in case they decide to replace them. Almost every second Bulgarian keeps their old phone after buying a new one, and only 14% of people recycle their mobile devices, according to a recent study from 2024.
Today, we are pleased to share with you one good practice coming from Bulgaria and promoting the issues of e-waste among citizens. This is one of the socially responsible and informative initiatives of one of the mobile operators in the country.
In 2024, the telecom presented “The RECYCLER” – the first-of-its-kind interactive installation dedicated to e-waste. With the help of art, the three-meter cube in the shape of a nightstand tells people about the consequences of e-waste pollution and offers them a convenient way to part with their old equipment in support of the circular economy. Visitors can drop off their old or broken devices in special drawer-like containers. Screens at the top show the amount collected so far, as well as the carbon emissions saved.
If visitors want to learn more about the path of electric devices – from the extraction of materials for their creation to the end of their life, they can enter the RECYCLER and view the 270-degree projection, which will also tell you why it is important that our old devices do not end up in nature.
The installation visited various locations in the country’s major cities, where it not only aroused interest in the topic, but also provoked real actions. Since its presentation, it has collected over 1,300 kg of e-waste and reached over 218,000 people with its messages about the responsible use of technology. More information about the RECYCLER and where is it currently located, see here!
Let’s work together to actively involve more responsible citizens in our mission, striving not only to increase their knowledge, but also to make recycling easier and more accessible!
Our project pilot initiative WEEE BEHAVE is also coming soon in partner countries Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain!
