The situation remains tense on the market for the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Germany. Overall volumes from municipal collections remain broadly stable, but the economic stagnation and ongoing slump in consumer spending are becoming increasingly noticeable in individual collection categories and especially in arisings in the commercial (business to business) segment.
On the revenue side, e-waste recyclers are feeling the sting of the steep drop in ferrous scrap prices particularly keenly. This decrease can only be partially offset by the higher quotes for copper and precious metals.
Simultaneously, recyclers are faced with growing expenses for the treatment of equipment with incorporated batteries, which creates additional complexity and safety risks in the recycling plants.
In general, the treatment prices for all collection categories have shifted further towards gate fees. Market participants do not have high hopes that the situation will improve in the coming year. In light of the sluggish economy and rising costs, WEEE recyclers are hoping to be able to raise their treatment fees again.
Subscribers can access our full quarterly report on the WEEE treatment market in Germany including price charts for the four collection categories here:
