Most Belgian ICT users often leave their old smartphone or PC at home after use. The Netherlands sets the example.
For the Belgian Digital Economy Report, FOD Economie surveyed what Belgians do with their smartphone, PC, or tablet once the device is no longer in use. The figures stem from a government-conducted survey, validated against publicly available Belgian and European statistics. The short answer to the question: usually nothing.
Recycling a device after use can be useful for recovering materials. However, Belgian ICT users prefer to leave the device at home rather than driving to the recycling center. Approximately 12% of Belgian ICT users recycle a discarded smartphone. The same percentage tries to sell the device, but more than half (52%) keep the device at home.
PCs and Tablets
For desktop PCs, laptops, and tablets (taken as one category), the recycling figures are slightly higher, at 16% and 14% respectively. 37% keep laptops and tablets at home after use, 8% opt for sale. The number of respondents who indicate having an ‘old’ desktop PC at home is much lower (18%). Desktops are generally purchased less, but also used longer than mobile devices.
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One in Eight Belgians Recycles Discarded Smartphones
Although the recycling rate is not yet very high in Belgium, there are also positive trends to observe in the figures. For example, discarded devices are very rarely thrown away: 2% of smartphones, 3% of desktops, and 2% of laptops/tablets end up in landfills after use.
Belgium also performs better than most neighboring countries regarding recycling. Only Dutch ICT users are more conscientious about bringing their discarded devices to the recycling park. In the Netherlands, for example, 16% of laptops and 27% of desktops are recycled. Selling or giving away devices is more popular in all neighboring countries than in Belgium.
Sustainability Doesn’t Come First
FOD Economie also surveys whether Belgian ICT users consider sustainability as a criterion when purchasing a new device. Price is the primary consideration. After that, Belgian consumers seem to prioritize external features more than in other countries.
Ecological features, on the other hand, appear to be much less of a decisive factor during the purchasing process. 14% look at energy efficiency, while warranty or repair options are only relevant for 3%. The new European ecolabels for electronics could potentially bring about a change here.