Monaco is participating in the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), known locally as SERD, from November 22nd to 30th, marking Monaco’s seventh consecutive year in the initiative.
This year’s theme focuses on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), a growing environmental concern. Europeans produce an average of 17.6kg of electronic waster per person annually, with only 22.3% officially collected and recycled. Global WEEE has surged 82% since 2010, with projections suggesting a further 32% increase by 2030.
As Valérie Davenet, Director of the Environment Department, explained at Monday’s press conference: “These wastes represent a real global issue—concerning consumption, recycling, and also the lack of compatibility between different brands.” She highlighted the universal charger problem as an example, noting that “we all have 15 chargers at home” that can’t be shared between devices.
Treasure hunt and mobile recycling centre
The Société Monégasque d’Assainissement (SMA) is organising its popular treasure hunt on Wednesday 26th November, with departures from Place du Canton at 1:30pm and 3pm. Teams will search for five elements of an “Electro Heart” while solving challenges about device repair and recycling. The free event is open to all residents, with prizes and a zero-waste snack at the finish.
“It’s three generations, last year we managed to have grandchildren, parents and grandparents participating,” said Stéphane Pasquetti from SMA.
On Thursday November 27th, SMA’s mobile mini-recycling centre will tour Monaco’s neighbourhoods, collecting hazardous household waste including electronic devices, paint, and batteries at three locations: Fontvielle (8:30am-11am), the Rock (11:30am-2pm), and La Condamine (2:30pm-5pm).
Repair is Fair for students
The Oceanographic Institute is hosting its flagship event ‘Repair is Fair’ on November 25th, welcoming over 150 students from five schools for hands-on workshops.
Serge Gobbi from the Institute described it as a giant repair cafe, where students will learn phone and computer maintenance, cyber-safety from Monaco’s Public Security, sewing repairs with Ecoscience Provence, and trainer customisation with Nike Monaco.
Chefs from establishments including the SBM’S Marlow, Columbus, and Centre Cardiothoracique will demonstrate zero-waste recipes like tacos made with vegetable peelings and frittatas using fridge leftovers. “It’s also virtuous for making savings, not losing food and easily healthily.”
Public repair cafes and workshops
La Mairie de Monaco is hosting a ‘Munegu Repair Branché’ on 29th November from 2pm to 5pm at the Maison du Numérique, where volunteers from the Cagnes-sur-Mer Repair Café will help repair electronic items.
Green Monaco will also run digital awareness and repairs workshops on November from 12:3opm to 6pm at Casa di Soci, teaching participants how to extend device lifespans and safely erase data before donating.
Giving devices a second life
During EWWR, Green Monaco is collecting functional equipment from eight sites across Monaco. Repaired items are donated to associations or redistributed to local students facing digital exclusion, while devices beyond repair are dismantled for spare parts by workers.
Collection points for small electronic devices—mobile phones, tablets, earphones, cables and chargers—have been set up at Fontvieille Shopping Centre throughout the week, accessible 24/7.
What are WEEE?
Electronic waste includes any device running on electricity. From large appliances like freezers and televisions to smaller items such as mobile phones, light bulbs, hairdryers, electric bicycles and even electronic cigarettes.
These devices contain both hazardous substances like mercury, as well as valuable metals including gold, copper, and platinum, making proper disposal essential for environmental and human health.
The week has attracted participation from businesses, hotels, government departments and schools across Monaco.
“In environment, we can be ambitious and dynamic, but generally what pays off is that everyone can progress with the means they have,” Davenet explained.
The full programme of the initiatives organised can be found here: https://montecarto.gouv.mc/arcgis/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=f829aaf840824f59892bba2424f4224a
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
Main photo credit: SERD 2025
