Bulgaria and Czechia Lead EU in Electronic Waste Collection
New data shows these nations collect the most e-waste per capita among all European Union members as of 2024.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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In 2024, Bulgaria and Czechia emerged as the leaders in electronic waste collection within the European Union, processing 18.9 kg and 17.8 kg per person respectively. These figures surpass the EU average collection rate of 12.3 kg per person for the same year.
Why it matters
The gap between the growing volume of electronics placed on the market and the amount collected indicates that significant quantities of devices are either being hoarded in homes, remain in use, or are disappearing into informal treatment channels.
Between 2015 and 2024, the volume of equipment placed on the EU market increased by 79%. EU states are mandated to collect either 65% of the average weight of equipment sold in the preceding three years or 85% of the total electronic waste generated.
The players
GreenGroup
This organization operates recycling plants in Romania and is a significant provider of electronic waste management services in the region.
European Commission
This is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation and enforcing the bloc's environmental and waste management policies.
The details
While Bulgaria and Czechia top the collection charts, other member states struggle to meet regional requirements, with Estonia currently facing European Commission infringement proceedings regarding its recycling targets. Recycling capacity continues to be a focus for industry participants, exemplified by GreenGroup raising 127 million euros in 2022 to expand operations.
Timeline
In 2015, electronic waste collection across the EU reached 7.3 kg per person.
Green WEEE launched the region's first flat-screen recycling line in 2020.
GreenGroup secured 127 million euros in funding for recycling capacity in 2022.
EU electronic waste collection reached 11.6 kg per person in 2023.
Bulgaria and Czechia recorded their leading collection rates in 2024.
The Tech Race
The disparity in collection rates reflects broader challenges in managing the lifecycle of consumer electronics across diverse European markets. These trends illustrate the ongoing struggle to balance rapid market growth with mandatory sustainability protocols like the EU WEEE Directive recycling targets.
Consumers in these regions play a direct role in these figures through their disposal habits for old devices like smartphones and laptops. Higher collection rates often correlate with more robust local infrastructure for drop-off, making it easier for users to recycle hardware responsibly.
The takeaway
The rising volume of electronics entering the market underscores a growing need for consumers to utilize established recycling channels rather than storing old devices indefinitely. Consistent recycling helps ensure that valuable materials are reclaimed and hazardous components are processed safely.
Further reading
For broader insights into how tech hardware is managed, see our Consumer Electronics section.
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