D2D REUSE: FROM DOORSTEP TO NEW LIFE FOR E-WASTE

The WEEEWaste – D2D pilot action will be implemented in the City Municipality of Maribor, the only Slovenian city with a formal circular economy strategy. The pilot aims to test a combined model of door-to-door (D2D) collection of e-waste with a digital tracking system, targeting an increase in reuse rates and better traceability of discarded devices. The pilot addresses the problem of low recovery rates and missing data on device status, location, and final destination. Many electronic devices remain stored in households or enter informal flows due to a lack of convenient collection systems, insufficient awareness, and no real-time monitoring. This limits circular resource flows and obstructs policy planning.

The pilot will test a model that links physical collection with digital tracking of devices through all key stages—from household collection and assessment to preparation for reuse or dismantling. A prototype digital tool will be developed by an external provider and tested in real conditions. The system will enable real-time tracking of devices and material flows and support evidence-based improvements to local and national e-waste strategies.Special attention will be given to privacy and data protection. The system applies “privacy by design” and complies with GDPR. No personal data is collected or stored. End users interact anonymously, while employee access is account-based without storing personal identifiers.

All data is encrypted, and only technical logs are kept. The pilot includes cooperation with local utility Snaga and reuse operators, and direct involvement of households. Findings will contribute to improved e-waste policies (e.g., OPVO Maribor) and will be transferable to other regions, including Tirana, which face similar challenges.