Small electronic waste can be disposed of in stores
Electronic devices — from refrigerators, washing machines, and range hoods to vacuum cleaners, electronic toys, and electric toothbrushes — usually have metal or plastic casings. Because of this, they’re often mistakenly perceived as ordinary metal or plastic items. Unfortunately, this is not only a misconception but also leads to improper waste sorting, which results in unsustainable waste management, wasted Earth and energy resources, and environmental pollution.
For several years now, electronic waste has been the fastest-growing type of waste, and a dedicated collection network has been established for its management. The primary element of this network is specialized electronics waste containers. In almost every major shopping center, you can find a container intended for small electronics waste. These containers often have separate compartments for electronics, batteries and accumulators, and fluorescent lamps. Such containers are available in Vilnius, Kaunas, and also in Klaipėda, Šiauliai, and other larger and smaller towns and district centers across the country.
Batteries and accumulators should be separated when disposing of electronic waste
The separate compartment for battery and accumulator waste in the containers is no coincidence — these are a distinct type of waste that must be handled differently. Therefore, when discarding a device that operates on batteries, the used batteries should be removed and thrown away separately.
Containers for small electronics waste can be found in shopping centers, libraries, and other cultural and educational institutions. Meanwhile, containers for large electronic waste are located near shopping centers and bulky waste collection sites. These are intended for old large household appliances brought in by residents. Regular collection and removal of these wastes is an important step in responsible electronic waste management and recycling.
Free home collection service
Electronics containers have become a familiar sight to many people in Lithuania, but some still find them inconvenient to use. When you replace an old, inefficient washing machine or a faulty refrigerator with a new one, transporting the old appliance to a special container site may seem like a hassle. The hardest part is usually carrying the heavy appliance out of the home, especially in apartment buildings without elevators and with narrow stairways. In such cases, the best option is to use the free home collection service for large electronic waste.
You can order this free pick-up and removal service by filling out a form on the website www.epa.lt
. This allows you to schedule the removal of your old electric stove, refrigerator, or washing machine from your home. Alternatively, you can simply call +370 695 55111 to arrange the service. The collected waste will be handed over to authorized recyclers, and valuable raw materials recovered during the recycling process will be used to produce new items.
Improperly stored electronic waste — in basements, storage rooms, or outdoors — can turn into hazardous pollutants that contaminate soil, air, and water, posing risks to both the environment and human health. Instead of benefits, this can result in serious or even irreversible damage.