Home appliances have long been a popular item on people's shopping lists during shopping sprees. However, few of them know how to dispose of appliances they no longer use.

Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and six other administrations released a plan to improve the mechanism to recycle and dispose of unwanted household electrical appliances in three years.

China is both the largest home appliance manufacturer and the largest consumer. According to the NDRC, China is in the peak period of producing household appliances scraps. The number of scrapped products reaches over 100 million each year, with an average annual growth rate of 20 percent.

It is estimated that nearly 137 million appliances need to be changed in 2020, which indicates the country still boasts a large consumer market. A perfect recycling mechanism will encourage people to update their household appliances, releasing the consumption potential.

The mechanism is also conducive to environmental protection. Today, only 10 percent of scrapped home appliances are recycled through after-sales services by manufacturers; 5 percent are sent to designated public institutions.

That means social channels, including individuals and private workshops, are the major forces for disposing of them. Since they lack professional knowledge about how to do it, they usually take these appliances apart and sell the components in good condition. The other parts are thrown away, resulting in a waste of resources.

Parts containing heavy metal and plastic can harm the environment. But scientific dismantling and recycling will lead to a sustainable use of some appliances, extending their lifecycle.

The plan also aims to multiply recycling channels, in which appliances manufacturers will play a better role. Unlike companies focusing on handling waste, they can utilize scrapped appliances.

Some major companies have launched activities where consumers return discarded products to get coupons for new devices. More businesses should follow the trend to expand their influence in the market and contribute to recycling.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Nanfng Daily on June 24) 

(Print Edition Title: Recycling Scrapped Appliances)