Recent Dutch media reports suggesting that three out of four televisions in the Netherlands are sent directly to incineration are incorrect and damaging, according to Stichting OPEN. The organization, responsible for managing producer responsibility for electronic waste in the Netherlands, emphasizes that consumers remain a crucial link in effective collection and recycling.
Facts on television and screen collection and recycling
Over the past three years, an average of 53% of televisions and other screens placed on the Dutch market have been collected, in line with EU standards. As televisions generally remain in households for longer than three years, the actual collection rate is likely even higher.
Of the weight of collected screens, around 75% is recovered as high-quality raw materials, significantly exceeding the EU requirement of 70%. In total, up to 99% of materials are put to beneficial use through recycling and, to a limited extent, energy recovery. Almost all metals, 99.9%, are successfully reclaimed.
The challenge of plastics in recycling
Plastics remain the most complex part of screen recycling. Roughly one-third of plastics are mechanically recycled. The remaining two-thirds contain mandatory additives, such as flame retardants, that make recycling more difficult. Researchers and industry stakeholders are working to find solutions that will bring the recovery rate closer to 100%.
Dorien van Dolderen, PhD researcher at TU Delft, explains: “Our research focuses on designing electronics so that recycling becomes easier, enabling partners such as Stichting OPEN to recover even more valuable materials. In televisions we found almost no losses in metals, but plastics had a major impact on the final recycling outcome.”
Why accurate information is essential
According to Stichting OPEN, narratives that exaggerate incineration rates risk discouraging consumers from handing in their old televisions. The Dutch recycling chain already meets or exceeds European standards, and further progress depends on consumer participation.
The organization invites researchers and stakeholders to see first-hand how Dutch collection and recycling work, and to collaborate on improving product design, collection systems, and recycling technologies.
For consumers, the message remains simple: about 75% of raw materials from collected screens are recovered, and up to 99% is put to good use. Handing in televisions at local collection points or through retailers makes a real difference to the circular economy.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
