Refurbishing of electronic devices

V2.3

This methodology covers projects that refurbish electronic devices, extend their usable lifetime, reduce electronics waste and avoid production of new devices. The eligible device types include smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and screens.

Methodology name	Refurbishing of electronic devices
Version	2.3
Methodology ID	RIV-REC-01-ELEC-V2.3
Release date	May 22nd, 2025
Status	In use

Glossary

Buyback	Buying used devices from consumers.
Device A	In this methodology, Device A refers to the first life of the refurbished device in the project scenario, and the waste device in the baseline scenario.
Device B	In this methodology, Device B refers to the refurbished device in the project scenario, and the new manufactured device in the baseline scenario.
Functioning device	A device that is successfully refurbished by the refurbishing project. It replaces a new manufactured device.
Non-functioning device	A device that is not successfully refurbished by the refurbishing project. It may be recycled, dismantled for spare parts to be used by the refurbisher, or sold for spare parts.
Refurbishing	The process of repairing and restoring used devices to good working order.
Residual value	The value (economic and lifetime) of a used device that is still remaining when it is sold and/or sent for refurbishing.
Scrap materials	Parts of used devices that are no longer functioning and are replaced by spare parts in the refurbishing process.
Small IT and telecommunication equipment	A category of electronic waste (e-waste) defined by the WEEE directive, composed of devices no larger than 50 cm external dimension, including mobile phones, GPS, routers, personal computers, and printers.
Sold devices	A functioning device that was successfully refurbished and sold functioning by the refurbishing project. It fully meets the market requirements and replaces a new manufactured device.
Spare parts	Functioning parts used in the refurbishing process to replace non-functioning parts, such as a battery or display. They may be new manufactured parts, or harvested from dismantled non-functioning devices.
WEEE	Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment, also called e-waste

Glossary