Prior to the commencement of the widespread coronavirus lockdown CEWASTE partner Sofies was able to undertake the first pilot e-waste recycling facility audit to test the voluntary standard being developed by the project. 

The audit took place at Solenthaler Recycling AG in Switzerland a leading recycler of e-waste in the country. 

This was the first opportunity the project has had to test the real-world feasibility of the CEWASTE requirements and to get feedback on this from those in the industry. As such, it provided a valuable early insight into how easily and practically adherence to the requirements can be assessed. 

The audit progressed well and the auditors noted how impressed they were with the high quality of the operations witnessed and the already significant efforts taken to improve, and continue to improve, CRM recovery at the plant. 

The auditors also welcomed the valuable feedback received from the plant operators, both on the feasibility of the CEWASTE requirements and the challenges faced in recovering CRMs. This will help the project to improve the requirements and their long-term viability. 

The project wishes to express its gratitude to Solenthaler Recycling for participating in this pilot audit.

The audits have now ceased due to the coronavirus restrictions but will recommence once these are lifted. Audits are planned across Europe as well as in Rwanda, Turkey and Colombia and will be undertaken by trained auditors from the project along with external auditors that have been trained in the CEWASTE requirements.