Background The use of electronic devices has increased in recent decades; in addition, the lifespan of many products has become shorter. Consequently, the stream of waste electrical and electronic equipment - commonly known as WEEE or e-waste - is also growing. An estimated 20-50 million tonnes/yr are generated worldwide. It is estimated that WEEE volumes in the EU alone will reach 12 million tonnes by 2020. The presence of dangerous components in the equipment causes serious problems in the WEEE management process, with significant risks for the environment and also the loss of valuable resources. The recast EU WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) combines earlier directives on WEEE and Restrictions on Hazardous Substances. It sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for all types of WEEE. It also sets maximum limits for the presence in new electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) of dangerous substances, such as mercury, cadmium, lead, hexavalent chromium and polybrominated biphenyls (PCB). Today most European cities have implemented new WEEE collection systems, able to guarantee a proper management of large and medium-sized equipment. However, collection and separation of small WEEE – dimensions under 50 cm - is still inadequate, particularly through small points of sale, which are not yet organised to comply with the EU obligations. As a consequence, a high proportion of WEEE escapes from the proper management processes. Objectives The WEENMODELS life project aims to demonstrate that through the application of an efficient logistics system and the central coordination of WEEE collection services, it is possible to reach and even to exceed the targets defined by the EU’s recast WEEE Directive. Specifically, the project will define and implement a new model of reverse logistics for WEEE aiming to recapture value from the waste stream or proper disposal of those parts that cannot be reused or recycled. The new collection and logistics model should offer a stable and systematic service that minimises service costs. WEENMODELS life will help develop synergies in the waste management cycle between private and public entities, as well as end users. The project will notably work to build the capacity of new ‘experts’ within retailers who would be able to identify the possible residual lifecycle of EEE. This should enhance the strategic role of retailers and conveyors in reducing the inappropriate management of WEEE. Ultimately, the project aims to reduce the amount of WEEE disposed of through unsorted waste streams, thus reducing the risk of illegal or improper disposal of highly toxic substances and related environmental risks. It also hopes to stimulate positive socio-economic effects by promoting new markets linked to the reuse of valuable materials. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results: Tripling the present rate of collection of small WEEE by 2016; An increase of over 45% in the overall amount of WEEE collected annually by 2016; The reconditioning/re-use of 3% of the WEEE through the new logistics system; A 10% reduction in operational costs in comparison with current levels; A reduction of pollution risk to the environment from hazardous substances; and New economic opportunities related to reprocessing and reuse of WEEE materials.