BIR Trade & Environment Policy Officer, Federico Zanotti, has taken on the role of Co-Chair for the UN Basel Convention’s Partnership for Action on Challenges relating to E-waste (PACE II) Project Group Two, marking a rare and significant opportunity for an industry association to play a leading role in the environmentally sound management (ESM) of electrical and electronic equipment. As Co-Chair, Federico is actively contributing to the development of a guidance document on the ESM of television screens, audio, and video equipment, covering both refurbishment and repair of used and waste equipment, as well as recycling of these complex devices.
From February 11–13, Federico co-chaired the first face-to-face meeting of the working group in Geneva, where delegations from around the world gathered to discuss and advance the draft guidance document. The document aims to support countries lacking technical capacities for the ESM of such devices, ensuring efficient and safe recycling worldwide. As the industry counterpart, BIR is playing a key role in shaping the document by contributing technical expertise from its global membership and will continue to do so throughout the process. Collaboration between policymakers and industry experts will help ensure that the guidance is both practical and aligned with real-world recycling practices.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. Television screens, audio, and video equipment are highly complex devices, containing valuable secondary raw materials such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, rare metals like indium in liquid crystal layers, and various types of plastics. However, they also contain hazardous substances that must be carefully managed to prevent environmental and health risks. Due to this complexity, certain components - such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) or non-leaded CRT glass - require processing in specialised facilities, which exist only in a handful of countries. This highlights the critical need for resource mobility and access to international markets, ensuring that these materials can be properly recovered and managed.
With the increasing generation of end-of-life electronics, it is crucial to inform stakeholders - including end-users and policymakers - about the benefits and opportunities of recycling. The guidance document is expected to play a key role in raising awareness about the functioning of the recycling industry, while providing practical and effective guidance for the ESM of electronic equipment. BIR’s electronics recyclers have already contributed their technical expertise, and their involvement will remain essential as the project progresses. The guidance will be discussed at the UN Basel Convention’s upcoming COP 17, with further refinements expected before submission to COP 18, to take place in 2027, giving BIR a valuable opportunity to continue shaping the document in a way that reflects industry realities.
As this process moves forward, BIR electronics recyclers are encouraged to get further involved. By taking up this position at the UN, BIR is strengthening its role in international fora while ensuring its members' expertise helps shape global e-waste management policies. The Bureau of International Recycling remains committed to supporting circular economy initiatives and ensuring valuable materials are recovered efficiently and sustainably.
