20 years with ASEKOL: Half a million tonnes of e-waste, tens of thousands of collection points including red containers and a vision for a sustainable future

This year, the ASEKOL compliance scheme for the take-back of EEE celebrates a significant anniversary - 20 years since its establishment. In just two decades, what began as a newcomer in the field of electrical equipment take-back has grown into a leader that plays a key role in advancing the circular economy. ASEKOL connects EEE manufacturers and importers, cities, municipalities and the general public to ensure the efficient collection and recycling of end-of-life electrical appliances. 

The ASEKOL Group was established in the Czech Republic in 2005 and over the years has secured itself a position in neighbouring markets - Slovakia (2010) and Poland (2015), and since 1 January 2024 has also been offering its services in Germany. ASEKOL is also a member of Pronexa, a major pan-European organisation that collects more than 50% of Europe's e-waste and batteries.

ASEKOL's main ambition is to continue to be a strong European player as regards Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

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A 20-year journey to half a million tonnes of recycled e-waste in the Czech Republic

Since its establishment in 2005, ASEKOL has achieved some significant milestones. By 2024, the company had managed to collect a record 68,000 tonnes of e-waste and take back more than half a million tonnes of electrical equipment in the Czech Republic since it was first established. This means ASEKOL has recycled more than 500,000 tonnes of e-waste in the Czech Republic, thus playing a significant role in reducing the environmental burden and saving natural resources through the reuse of material.

The network of collection points has grown over the years and now totals 17,500 locations across the Czech Republic. The red street containers for the collection of small electrical appliances also play an important role in making sorting accessible for the general public - there were more than 4,000 of them in 2024. In addition, innovations and a new container design have resulted in greater safety, higher capacity and savings in logistics.

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ESG agenda as an integral part of the strategy

ASEKOL places strong emphasis on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects of its business. In 2024, the company's ESG activities will be expanded to include more detailed monitoring of the carbon footprint in scope 3, the supply chain. On the basis of previous ESG reports, ASEKOL has optimised its long-term strategy, including its sub-processes. As a result of these efforts, ASEKOL was awarded the prestigious silver medal by the international evaluation platform EcoVadis, which ranked ASEKOL among the world’s top 15% of companies in terms of sustainability.

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Availability of collection points for all

The availability and simplicity of the collection network is what most motivates people to sort their e-waste. ASEKOL has long been investing in the expansion of its collection network, making it easier for people to hand in their end-of-life equipment. In addition to the red containers, which are available 24/7, it also offers a mobile collection service. This service allows people, including senior citizens and those with disabilities, to safely hand over their old appliances from the comfort of their homes.

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Awareness, education and social responsibility

Recycling and sustainability are not just about collection. Public awareness plays an important role, and ASEKOL spends a significant part of its budget on this every year. The company has long supported the Recycling Games educational programme, which is used by nearly 4,000 schools and kindergartens across the country. Children learn about the principles of sorting and recycling through games, projects and excursions.

As far as social responsibility is concerned, ASEKOL works with the National Disability Council and supports job opportunities in sheltered workshops. ASEKOL is a partner of the Let's Fix Czechia or Remobil project, designed to promote the re-use of appliances and devices.

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Vision and future

The year 2025 will be a period of continued development and innovation for ASEKOL. The Group is investing in digitalising its services, continuously increasing the material recovery rate through new processing technologies and expanding the mobile collection areas to new regions. Its main objective is still to offer efficient and simple solutions to manufacturers and at the same time make it easier for people to sort their end-of-life electrical equipment.

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From a new company to thousands of satisfied clients

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"Over the past 20 years we have come a long way, from emerging as a new company to becoming a respected player not only in the field of e-waste in Europe. We currently offer our services, including packaging waste, to thousands of clients in 4 countries. We approach our activities with the utmost responsibility and therefore ensuring compliance with our legal obligations has always been and will always be a priority for us. I would like to thank all our clients for their trust, many of whom have been with us since the compliance scheme was first launched. I wish ASEKOL all the best in achieving its strategic goals and I look forward to taking stock at the next major anniversary,"

adds ASEKOL Chairman of the Board, Mgr. Jan Vrba.

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