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Macerata Trashware
Published on 03 May 2021
Italy
Marche
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About this good practice
According to the Italian law, the computer equipment after five years from purchase has zero inventory value. State administrations must proceed with the sale through the State General Superintendency. If no buyer is found, they can be donated to schools or associations that request them. If all this is not possible, they must be disposed of in compliance with environmental law.
Trashware consists in recovering obsolete personal computers before they enter the waste cycle, making them usable again through small repairs and installations of free and open-source software. The latter, being less demanding in terms of hardware performance, allow to extend the useful life of personal computers.
The project was developed in 4 main phases:
• Promotion towards organizations and individuals
• Collection of disused computers
• Recovery through the installation of the Linux operating system and other free software
• Redistribution of computers to those who can advantageously reuse them (schools and non-profit organizations).
Targets:
• Decrease waste production from computer equipment
• Promote and spread the culture of reuse among citizens
• Provide efficient recovered computers to the associative world, social cooperation and non-profit sector
• Support the dissemination of basic computer knowledge and the use of open-source software
• Testing a new working model to generate new employment in the reuse sector.
Trashware consists in recovering obsolete personal computers before they enter the waste cycle, making them usable again through small repairs and installations of free and open-source software. The latter, being less demanding in terms of hardware performance, allow to extend the useful life of personal computers.
The project was developed in 4 main phases:
• Promotion towards organizations and individuals
• Collection of disused computers
• Recovery through the installation of the Linux operating system and other free software
• Redistribution of computers to those who can advantageously reuse them (schools and non-profit organizations).
Targets:
• Decrease waste production from computer equipment
• Promote and spread the culture of reuse among citizens
• Provide efficient recovered computers to the associative world, social cooperation and non-profit sector
• Support the dissemination of basic computer knowledge and the use of open-source software
• Testing a new working model to generate new employment in the reuse sector.
Expert opinion
Electrical and electronic equipment waste is among the fastest growing waste streams. The EU WEEE Directive has set a target of a 65% minimum collection rate, but the overall collection rate is still bellow 40%. The problematics are addressed in the Circular Economy Action Plan and in the Eco-Design Directive, currently being drawn up. WEEE re-use is the most environmentally friendly approach to electronic waste management, saving 1,14 tonnes of CO2 per tonne compared to 0,85 tonnes when recycled. Moreover, WEEE reuse has a significant job creation potential, which the results of this practice confirm, having led to an increase in employment. The presented good practice makes for an excellent example of reuse through redistribution, specifically that of older computers to schools and local associations, and can be easily replicated in other regions.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
Macerata Trashware, managed by RISORSE Società Cooperativa, was cofinanced by the Municipality of Macerata with a grant of 10,000,00 € and sponsored by the Province of Macerata.
The pilot project Macerata Trashware generated employment for two workers.
The pilot project Macerata Trashware generated employment for two workers.
Evidence of success
The project has led to an increase in work for the cooperative in charge, with a consequent increase in employment for specialized professionals. The recovered computers, dismissed from the Chamber of Commerce offices, have been donated to local associations and schools.
During the project, more than 50 personal computers were donated to primary and secondary schools and local cultural associations.
During the project, more than 50 personal computers were donated to primary and secondary schools and local cultural associations.
Potential for learning or transfer
The project can be replicated if the legislative conditions of each region of application are verified and respected.
The project can:
• Decrease waste production from computer equipment
• Promote and spread the culture of reuse among citizens
• Provide efficient recovered computers to the associative world, social cooperation and non-profit sector
• Support the dissemination of basic computer knowledge and the use of open-source software
• Testing a new working model to generate new employment in the reuse sector.
The covid has increased the need for computers for many families for distance learning and not all families can afford the purchase of a computer.
The project can:
• Decrease waste production from computer equipment
• Promote and spread the culture of reuse among citizens
• Provide efficient recovered computers to the associative world, social cooperation and non-profit sector
• Support the dissemination of basic computer knowledge and the use of open-source software
• Testing a new working model to generate new employment in the reuse sector.
The covid has increased the need for computers for many families for distance learning and not all families can afford the purchase of a computer.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Macerata Municipality
Italy
Marche
Contact
Architect