Dutch Stichting OPEN sets new e-waste collection record with 239 million kg in 2024

Value preservation, not waste disposal

“It's not about waste, it's about preserving value,” said Steven van Eijck, chair of Stichting OPEN. According to the organisation — known to consumers as Wecycle — the growth stems from strategic investments in collection accessibility, municipal and retail partnerships, and support for professional disposers.

Expanded network and new collection points

The collection network was expanded to over 30,000 drop-off points. Circular collection furniture was introduced in stores, and successful approaches targeting businesses were scaled. A key contributor was the Stimuleringsregeling (Incentive Scheme), designed to plug leakages in the metal sector, which accounted for 64 million kg — over 50% more than the 41 million kg collected under the scheme in 2023.

Integrated approach proves effective

Managing Director Jan Vlak credited the result to a combined focus on collection, chain transparency and public awareness. “It works: we are not only collecting more, but recovering more valuable materials from it.”

Circular materials from above ground

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream and a key source of critical raw materials. In 2024, 82% of all collected e-waste was successfully recovered as raw materials — an exceptionally high rate, underscoring the importance of high-quality processing.

New targets for circular progress

By the end of 2024, the Dutch State Secretary of Infrastructure and Water Management dropped the existing 65% collection target for WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment). The ministry now aligns with an 85% collection benchmark based on actual generated waste volumes. This shift makes space for reuse strategies alongside recycling. Stichting OPEN and partners are leading this broader circular push.