Electronic Waste Collection Grows in Italy: Over 100 Tonnes from TVs and Consumer Electronics

The management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Italy is once again showing positive momentum. Recent data indicates a recovery in collection volumes, though significant territorial imbalances persist, keeping the country far from achieving its European targets.

This overview is presented in the **annual report from the RAEE Coordination Center**, which illustrates a system that is quantitatively improving but remains inconsistent in its geographical distribution and overall collection efficacy.

RAEE Data for 2025

In 2025, a total of **366,891 tonnes of household WEEE** were collected, representing a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year. The per capita collection also rose, reaching 6.22 kg per inhabitant. This growth was primarily driven by large household appliances and small electronic devices, which recorded increases of 5.4% and 5.1% respectively. The refrigeration and climate control sector also saw an uptick, while light sources decreased, and TVs and monitors experienced a more notable decline, still influenced by the progressive completion of technological replacement cycles.

From a geographical perspective, Northern Italy confirms its position as the highest-performing area, with 192,952 tonnes collected and **an average of 7.02 kg per inhabitant**. Central Italy surpassed the national average with 6.61 kg per inhabitant, while the South lagged with 4.76 kg, despite overall stable volumes. A regional comparison highlights a generally positive trend, with fifteen regions showing growth. Among these, Molise, Abruzzo, Puglia, Lazio, and Sardinia stood out with increases above the national average. Conversely, Basilicata and Sicily experienced a decline.

The differences become even more pronounced when observing per capita data. Some regions are nearing European targets, such as Valle d'Aosta and Sardinia, both collecting **over 10 kg per inhabitant**, followed by Tuscany and Liguria. In contrast, areas with very low levels persist, including Campania, which collected less than 3 kg per inhabitant, underscoring structural challenges in its collection system.

The analysis by waste type also reveals **areas of local excellence**. Sardinia leads the per capita collection of large household appliances and refrigeration systems, while Valle d'Aosta distinguishes itself in small electronic devices. Basilicata and Trentino-Alto Adige emerge as leaders for TVs and monitors, and light sources, respectively.

Collection primarily takes place **through municipal centers**, which account for over 76% of deliveries. Retail points contribute approximately 23%, thanks to 'one-to-one' and 'one-to-zero' take-back mechanisms. Economically, the system distributed over 30 million euros in incentives to collection managers. Lombardy led in total value, while Liguria, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna distinguished themselves by their average contribution per tonne.

The data confirms that the system is still far from achieving full national uniformity. Strengthening the collection network and enhancing coordination between institutions and operators remain **central elements** for bridging existing disparities and improving overall efficiency. "The RAEE Coordination Center, together with the Collective Systems and WEEE producers, is constantly engaged in initiatives aimed at increasing, improving, and making collection more efficient, aware of the strategic role it plays in the development of the circular economy," states Giuliano Maddalena, President of the RAEE Coordination Center. "However, to achieve concrete and lasting results, a shared effort across the entire supply chain and continuous dialogue with institutions are indispensable."

This issue remains pertinent in light of European circular economy policies, which demand concrete acceleration in the coming years, complemented by new regulations such as the Right to Repair.