Electrão

Electrão runs recycling systems for three kinds of waste in Portugal: electrical and electronic equipment, batteries and accumulators, and packaging. It's the only organisation in the country that manages all three. It also takes part in end-of-life management of single-use plastics through urban cleaning systems. The organisation was set up in April 2005 under the WEEE Directive as a waste management compliance organisation, and has now been working for two decades. Its collection network for batteries and used electrical equipment is the largest in Portugal, with over 1,000 collection points around the country. It serves about 1,000 member companies. In 2023 it processed over 10,100 tonnes of waste. Its work covers the whole life of a product. At the design stage, Electrão promotes ecodesign and the use of recycled materials. For distribution it runs Ondedoar.pt, a platform where member companies can donate surplus stock so that it doesn't go to waste. For consumers, it runs awareness campaigns and works with partners on waste reduction and reuse. The recycling itself is carried out by a network of operational partners: specialised transport operators, reception centres and treatment facilities. They remove hazardous components safely and recover secondary raw materials. Electrão's integrated management system supports companies with the legal requirements of Extended Producer Responsibility. The organisation also develops communication projects and campaigns to promote circularity across the value chain.