THE POTENTIAL FOR REUSE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams. Technological progress and the failure rate of existing equipment are among the main factors that influence the frequency of replacement. The resulting electronic waste, according to the law in force, should be subjected to recovery processes, especially recycling. A key element in the management of WEEE is its collection. The objective of the study was to assess consumer attitudes towards the purchase and use of second-hand appliances and to verify the above-mentioned behaviour according to age, gender and place of residence. The study also analysed consumers' propensity to store unused appliances. Due to advances in technology, periodically hibernating them reduces the possibility of reusing them in the future. The storage of appliances also negatively impacts the increase in demand for virgin raw materials. Research showed that still few respondents (37.3%) choose to purchase used equipment. Most respondents (26.4%) choose to buy IT equipment. The main reason for purchase is their price. In addition, home storage of equipment is still common (63.7% of respondents).