End of life (imo) is really just the point where it reaches an efficiency that makes it no longer financially beneficial or have a much better alternative. But they’ll still produce significant power.
You can still use them in other applications like basic solar lighting or in a remote area where power is a concern. Personally I have a community that I already plan to give them too when I replace my panels.
You are correct though, some people just throw them away in which they become just waste.