The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) placed Stichting OPEN under increased supervision at the end of February. Since 2021, Stichting OPEN has been responsible for the collection of discarded electrical and electronic equipment. To meet the collection standard, Stichting OPEN has initiated measures, but the ILT expects this to be insufficient.
In May 2024, the ILT already issued a warning to Stichting OPEN and requested an improvement plan. The ILT received this in December 2024. The increased supervision will be lifted if the implementation of the improvement plan leads to meeting the collection standard.
Stichting OPEN
Each year, Stichting OPEN collects hundreds of thousands of kilos of discarded electrical and electronic devices too few. These materials are partly discarded through other channels or end up in residual waste. This often leads to improper processing with risks to humans and the environment. These products contain very concerning substances, such as flame retardants. Moreover, many materials that could have been reused are lost.
Discarded electrical and electronic devices include household appliances such as washing machines, microwaves, cooling and freezing equipment, televisions, and computers. But also boilers, electric bicycles, lighting, and solar panels fall under this category.
As of March 2021, Stichting OPEN is responsible for achieving the statutory collection standards for electrical and electronic equipment. The law states that OPEN can choose from 2 calculation methods to meet these collection standards. Whichever method the foundation chooses, both methods fall significantly short of the statutory standard.
Increased supervision
The ILT views increased supervision as an interim intervention. If the improvement plan is insufficiently implemented, the next step could be imposing an order subject to a penalty. The ILT has not yet proceeded to this because Stichting OPEN is cooperative and transparent and has developed an ambitious improvement plan.