A second life for small appliances

“Our core mission is collecting and managing waste,” says Philippe Teller, TIBI’s Managing Director.
“But our ambition goes beyond that — we want to reduce waste production and reintegrate as many materials as possible into the circular loop.”

A partner like Recupel fits seamlessly into that vision. The two organisations have been working together for over twenty years to collect and process discarded electrical and electronic appliances. “In 2024 alone, we collected nearly 1,900 tonnes of e-waste via our recycling parks,” says Teller. “Since 2002, that figure stands at more than 34,000 tonnes. That tells us people are willing to do their part — as long as we make it easy for them.”

From old toaster to new start

In 2024, TIBI teamed up with Recupel, Ressourcerie du Val de Sambre, CYREO and the Ressources Federation to launch a pilot project at the Fleurus recycling park. The goal? To collect more small household appliances for reuse. The focus was on breakfast-time appliances: toasters, kettles, coffee machines, egg cookers and the like.

“We wanted to start with a familiar and accessible category,” Teller explains. “Everyone has an old coffee machine lying around. That familiarity makes it easier for citizens to embrace reuse consciously.”

“People are more than willing to participate once they understand the value of the initiative”

For several months, a dedicated Recupel container has been in place at the entrance to the recycling park. Staff have received special training to help them identify reusable appliances. These are then passed on to the Ressourcerie, after which CYREO repairs and resells them through second-hand shops like the R Store in Montigny-le-Tilleul. “It’s important that the appliances are complete, clean and emptied,” Teller stresses. “That way, we maximise the chances of successful reuse.”

A promising pilot

The initial results are promising — not just in terms of volumes collected, but also in the quality of the appliances. “We’ve seen that people are more than willing to participate once they understand the value of the initiative,” says Teller. “Recupel plays a key role in that, both as a facilitator and as a driver of awareness.”

For TIBI, this project is a great example of how local actors can generate meaningful circular impact together. “It’s still a small-scale effort, but as the saying goes: little streams make great rivers. We aim to roll out this model to other recycling parks, and to expand to other types of appliances as well.”

Teller is proud of the initiative, particularly because it goes beyond recycling. “We’re giving appliances a second life, and at the same time, we’re generating social value through local reuse centres. This is the circular economy in action — not as an abstract idea, but as a concrete project with tangible results.”

Together on the road to sustainable logistics

“From day one, our collaboration with Recupel has felt like a genuine partnership,” says Eddy Huylebroeck, Senior Commercial Manager at Gilbert De Clercq. “We’re proud to continue managing the bulk transport of discarded electrical appliances over the next three years.”

Smart and sustainable transport

Gilbert De Clercq carries out around 40 transport runs per day for Recupel. Their drivers collect large volumes of waste from electrical and electronic Equipment from collection points and deliver them to specialised recyclers. For the company, sustainability is far more than just a buzzword.

“At Gilbert De Clercq, sustainability is part of who we are. We are actively streamlining our operations and exploring alternative fuels, and we have recently placed our first order for electric trucks,” Huylebroeck explains. “Our partnership with Recupel aligns perfectly with this vision. We are helping to drive the circular economy, both literally and figuratively.” The collaboration also has a ripple effect within the company: “Recupel’s initiatives have encouraged us to reflect on our own impact. We raise awareness about recycling among our employees and promote a more conscious mindset within our own organisation. Every move makes a difference.”

“Together, we make sure discarded appliances don’t go to waste but are given a second life”

The power of a long-term vision

Beyond the practical and environmental benefits, Huylebroeck recognises the value of Recupel’s wider network. “Our partnership has opened doors to connect with other companies within the Recupel ecosystem. That leads to valuable conversations and new opportunities for collaboration.”

For Huylebroeck, this partnership is a strong example of how a shared long-term vision can truly make a difference. “We’re proud to support Recupel’s mission as a logistics partner. Together, we make sure discarded appliances don’t go to waste but are given a second life. And at the same time, we’re helping build a more sustainable future — one journey at a time.”