'E-Waste Race' School Competition
On 26 April 2023, the starting signal was given for the school competition 'E-Waste Race' at the Weitblick Comprehensive School in issum. In this four-week collection campaign, pupils collect e-waste in their neighbourhood and actively deal with recycling and the associated effects on people and the environment.A total of nine schools in the district of Borken are taking part in this project, which is now taking place in the district of Borken for the first time and is supported by the Heinz Trox Foundation. Whoever collects the most diligently wins a school trip.Every year, 1.7 million tonnes of electronic waste are produced in Germany alone. This contains valuable raw materials, but less than half is disposed of properly. What is missing is a change in behaviour in households. The non-profit initiative 'Das macht Schule' has brought the successful model from the Netherlands to Germany and wants to raise awareness and take a further step towards a circular economy. The committed disposal partner is Entsorgungsgesellschaft Westmünsterland mbH (EGW).Paul Schwarz, Chairman of the Board of the Heinz Trox Foundation: "A change towards a sustainable society is the most important global goal of our time in the long term. Achieving this requires strong, local commitment.Last year, the Heinz Trox Foundation already facilitated an E-Waste Race in the Wesel district - with great success. For us as a foundation, this once again confirmed that there is a huge potential for action in rural areas. We would therefore like to set a good example and contribute with our support so that this potential can be exploited."Dr. Kai Zwicker, District Administrator of the Borken district: "I am very pleased that no less than ten schools from the district are participating in the campaign, because it is very important to me that young people deal intensively with the topic. That's why I was happy to take on the patronage. I am now very excited about the results. I would also like to thank the initiators for the project idea.