Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste in the world. It contains not only valuable but also hazardous materials, so it is necessary to ensure its proper management. We are members of GIA (Association of Manufacturers and Importers) and financially contribute to the effective operation of the waste collection and recycling system. For us, this is a concrete way to ensure that devices that are no longer used are safely recycled and turned into valuable secondary raw materials.
The life cycle of the entire system: from modules to storage tanks.
Our responsibility covers the entire life cycle of a solar power system - from long-lasting modules to energy storage tanks. Although solar modules operate reliably for 25-30 years, at the end of their service life they become a valuable raw material. During effective recycling, up to 95% of the module materials (aluminum, glass, silver) are recovered, which are returned to production. The collection and recycling of energy storage tanks (batteries) requires special attention due to their chemical composition. The critical raw materials (lithium, cobalt and nickel) recovered from them are used to produce new batteries. As a member of GIA, we finance specialized collection and recycling systems for the waste of both of these products, thus ensuring that your entire energy system operates in a closed manner according to the principles of a circular economy.
Where to safely hand over equipment?
When planning to upgrade a solar power plant, it is worth knowing in advance how to properly dispose of old equipment. Solar modules and inverters are classified as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), while batteries and accumulators are classified as waste batteries and accumulators (separately from WEEE). It is most convenient for residents to register for free electronics removal through "I Care About Tomorrow" - a courier will arrive at the location you specified and safely remove your old equipment, so you don't have to worry about transportation: https://manrupirytojus.lt/buitines-technikos-isvezimas
If you want to hand over the equipment yourself, you can deliver it to municipal bulky waste sites or other official collection points that accept electronic waste, light bulbs and batteries. The Environmental Protection Department's memo clearly lists what and where you can hand it over, as well as links to legal handlers: https://aad.lrv.lt/lt/konsultacijos/atmintines/atliekos/atlieku-pridavimas/elektronika/
The same rules apply to business customers, only the process takes place under contracts with licensed waste handlers. If you are transferring equipment that has stored data (for example, a smart meter or energy management module), delete the information and disconnect the cards before handing it over. Do not disassemble the batteries or store them in a humid environment to ensure safety until transfer.