Background Currently there are more than 6 million mobile phones and some 1.5 million personal computers in use on a daily basis in Hungary, plus a growing number of laptops. Some 80% of the computers are used in offices. Each year an estimated 70 000-100 000 tonnes of computers are scrapped in Hungary (some estimates put the figure as high as 200 000 tonnes/yr), with the amount of waste growing by some 15-20% per annum. The shortening of the life cycle of personal computers is contributing to the process: firms are exchanging their equipment faster as technology develops. Mobile phones, which become obsolete quickly, generate a similar quantity of waste. It is estimated that in the next few years almost 1 million mobile phones (plus batteries) will become redundant. Objectives The overall goal of the project is to create a selective collection system for the increasing quantity of waste arising from computer technology and mobile-telecommunications, which is a common concern for Hungary and other EU and accession countries. The aim of the project is to establish the collection system in the Central Region of Hungary, where 60% of the electronic waste can be found, and to implement an innovative and demonstrative recycling-disassembling factory in the underdeveloped northeast of the country. Results The project did not reach its objective which was to establish a selective collection system for the increasing quantity of waste arising from computer technology and mobile telecommunications. It prepared very good preparatory materials, studies for the market, database on the producers, carried out discussions with possible partners, obtained most of the necessary permits and located the storage site. However, it could not get the waste utilisation permit, which means that it cannot legally separate the waste, only store it and transfer it. Furthermore it did not actually buy the necessary equipment for the selection of waste, so the planned recycling activity failed.