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Appliances fill football stadium in call for increased recycling

Illustration picture shows a Recupel action ahead of a soccer match between Club Brugge KV and Royal Excell Mouscron, Sunday 18 April 2021 in Brugge, on the day 34, last day of the regular competition of the 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. (BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY)
06:25 19/04/2021

Electrical appliances took the place of football fans in the stands at the Bruges stadium on Sunday afternoon ahead of the match between Club Brugge and Royal Excel Mouscron.

The installation, organised by recycling organisation Recupel, highlighted the need for consumers to recycle their electrical equipment. It is estimated that nine million electrical devices are currently gathering dust in Belgian households.

"Our goal today is really to ask that every Belgian brings back their broken electronic device to a Recupel point," said a spokesperson for Recupel.

According to one study, every Belgian household has at least two broken electronic devices taking up space at home, such as smartphones, laptops or even fridges - all of which are recyclable. "Electronic devices contain a lot of raw materials, such as plastics or metals,” the spokesperson continued. “These can be recycled and reused in the production of new electronic devices."

According to Recupel, by collecting all the broken electronic devices in Belgium, 300 stadiums like the one in Bruges could be filled.

"Club Brugge is a sustainable club, not only on the pitch, but also in the community," said Peter Gheysen, head of social actions for the Bruges club. “We can reach a lot of people and make them aware of bringing old appliances back to a collection point."

Last year was a record in terms of collections at Recupel points with nearly 50 million devices received. A peak occurred in June, not long after the first coronavirus restrictions came into force.

Written by Nick Amies