Elemental Group, a leading player in European waste management, has taken full control of the Romanian company ACC Recycling Services to build a new, high-tech e-waste recycling facility through a greenfield investment. The project, valued at nearly €20 million, not only strengthens the region’s economic stability but also plays a crucial role in helping Romania achieve its EU environmental objectives.
The investment arrives at a critical time as Romania seeks to modernize its waste management infrastructure under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The facility near Deva will be Elemental Group’s first major industrial base in Romania, aligning directly with the group’s global “urban mining” strategy.
Quantitative Data and Financial Background
The financial structure and physical parameters of the project reflect meticulous planning. According to official data, the investment is characterized by the following metrics:
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Total Investment Value: The total project cost is €19.84 million (approximately €20 million).
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Financing: The European Union, through PNRR funds, provided a non-reimbursable grant of €8.4 million via the Romanian state, while the remaining €11.44 million (plus VAT) is provided by the Elemental Group from its own equity.
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Spatial Data: The facility covers a total area of 16,447 square meters in Lăpugiu de Jos (30 km from Deva), which includes a 1,600-square-meter warehouse and 10,000 square meters of concrete platforms.
Technological Capacity: From Refrigerators to Microchips
The core of the plant is full automation. Elemental Group aims to recover valuable raw materials—such as copper, aluminum, iron, and rare earth metals—from collected electronic waste at the highest possible rates.
Technical specifications highlight:
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Maximum Processing Capacity: The plant will be capable of handling 4.5 tonnes of electronic waste per hour.
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Specialization: The machinery is specifically optimized for the eco-friendly dismantling of cooling appliances (refrigerators, freezers) and other complex household appliances.
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Job Creation: Alongside automated operations, the factory will create 36 new permanent jobs for the Hunedoara County community.
State Support and Strategic Timeline
The importance of the project was emphasized by Romanian Environment Minister Mircea Fechet, noting that the PNRR has allocated a total of €220 million to support the circular economy in Romania. The Elemental Group factory is one of the first major private investments to successfully draw the maximum allowable state aid (€8.4 million) for a single project.
According to the timeline, the official opening of the industrial park and the processing unit is expected in June 2026. In the meantime, the Polish group has fully integrated ACC Recycling Services; the founder, Cristian-Ioan Pocol, sold his remaining 20% stake upon the transaction’s close, giving Elemental 100% control over the project.
Summary: Placing Romania on the E-Waste Map
The construction of the Deva plant is a milestone for Romania. The country currently lags significantly behind the EU average in terms of per capita collection and processing of electronic waste. Elemental Group’s investment not only brings technology to the region but ensures that e-waste generated in Romania does not end up in illegal landfills, but returns to the industrial cycle as valuable raw material.
Official Sources and References:
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Romania Insider – Polish Elemental Group to build EUR 20 mln factory (Feb 18, 2026): https://www.romania-insider.com/polish-elemental-weee-factory-romania-feb-2026
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Elemental Group – Home & Projects: https://www.elemental.biz/
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Romanian Ministry of Environment (Ministerul Mediului) – PNRR Waste Management: http://www.mmediu.ro/
