Successful ‘Elektro To Go’ reuse project in Upper Austria shows results

The first reuse project funded by Elektroaltgeräte Koordinierungsstelle Austria GmbH (EAK), ‘Elektro To Go’, has been successfully implemented in the district of Rohrbach in Upper Austria and provides a strong example of a functioning regional circular economy.

by ALOM

The project was implemented by the Association ALOM - Working and learning in the Upper Mühlviertel region (Verein ALOM – Arbeiten und Lernen Oberes Mühlviertel) in collaboration with the Rohrbach district waste association, with the support of 17 municipalities and other partner organisations, including Re-Use Austria member Volkshilfe Oberösterreich. The aim was to strengthen the collection, testing, repair and reuse of electrical and electronic equipment.

And the results speak for themselves:

Wide participation: A total of 4.5 ReVital collection days took place in 17 municipalities in October 2024, during which 207 people donated a total of 4,418 kg of waste electrical and electronic equipment – an average of 21.3 kg per donation.

Processing & distribution: Over the course of the year, 8,796 kg of appliances were collected, successfully tested, repaired and processed. The majority were then sold via the Volkshilfe OÖ shop.

Doubling of capacity: Within the project period until the end of September 2025, the amount of processed waste electrical equipment (large appliances, small appliances, screens and refrigerators) was doubled.

Successful public relations work: The increased attention also had an impact on the ReVital shop in Rohrbach, which achieved its highest turnover in a long time during this period.

Recognition & repair bonus: In May 2025, the project was recognised as a repair bonus business.

Willibald Hackl on the positive impact of the project: "With Elektro To Go, we have been able to significantly expand repair options in the Rohrbach district and demonstrate that resource conservation and regional value creation go hand in hand."

The Elektro To Go project impressively demonstrates the potential of well-networked reuse initiatives at the regional level. Through close cooperation between local authorities, waste management companies, social enterprises and committed citizens, not only were large quantities of waste electrical equipment successfully returned to the cycle of use, but repair and processing capacities were also sustainably expanded. The results achieved prove that targeted funding, professional refurbishment and effective public relations work are key success factors for a functioning circular economy. ‘Elektro To Go’ thus serves as a transferable showcase for reuse projects throughout Austria.

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published: by ALOM in Re-Use Autria, 12|2024
Keywords: Collection, Reuse, Reduce, Repair, Sustainability, Climate, WEEE - Batteries, Resource management, Austria

Magister Willi Hackl
ALOM