Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2021-553/ This report explores what the Nordic countries can do to promote the use of recyclable plastic components in electrical and electronic products, with particular focus on minimising their hazardous chemical component. The report provides an overview of the hazardous additives currently used in the plastic components of EEE, drawing on information available from legislation and supporting studies, research and academia, NGOs and market actors. The results presented here build upon input collected though a literature study, a policy analysis of EU and Nordic legislation and initiatives, interviews with experts across the value chain and an expert workshop. Together these inputs were used to assess and qualify possible future actions in the Nordic countries to minimise hazardous chemicals in plastic components of EEE.
Presently most electrical/electronic equipment (EEE) is not designed for recycling, let alone for circulation. Plastics in these products account for 20% of material use, and through better design, significant environmental and financial savings could be gained. Technological solutions and circular design opportunities already exist, but they haven’t been implemented yet. Some challenges, such as ease of disassembly, could be resolved through better communication and by sharing learnings across the value chain.Instead of WEEE, we should focus on developing CEEE: Circular Electrical and Electronic Equipment.The case examples of this report show how different stages of the lifecycle can be designed so that plastics circulation becomes possible and makes business sense. It is time to take a leap in material flow management and scale up these circular solutions across the industry.
E-waste management is a serious challenge across developed, transition, and developing countries because of the consumer society and the globalization process. E-waste is a fast-growing waste stream which needs more attention of international organizations, governments, and local authorities in order to improve the current waste management practices. The book reveals the pollution side of this waste stream with critical implications on the environment and public health, and also it points out the resource side which must be further developed under the circular economy framework with respect to safety regulations. In this context, complicated patterns at the global scale emerge under legal and illegal e-waste trades. The linkages between developed and developing countries and key issues of e-waste management sector are further examined in the book.
Discover the latest technologies in the pursuit of zero-waste solutions in the electronics industry In Electronic Waste: Recycling and Reprocessing for a Sustainable Future, a team of expert sustainability researchers delivers a collection of resources that thoroughly examine methods for extracting value from electronic waste while aiming for a zero-waste scenario in industrial production. The book discusses the manufacturing and use of materials in electronic devices while presenting an overview of separation methods for industrial materials. Readers will also benefit from a global overview of various national and international regulations related to the topic of electronic and electrical waste. A must-read resource for scientists and engineers working in the production and development of electronic devices, the authors provide comprehensive overviews of the benefits of achieving a zero-waste solution in electronic and electrical waste, as well as the risks posed by incorrectly disposed of electronic waste. Readers will enjoy: An introduction to electronic waste, including the opportunities presented by zero-waste technologies and solutions Explorations of e-waste management and practices in developed and developing countries and e-waste transboundary movement regulations in a variety of jurisdictions Practical discussions of approaches for estimating e-waste generation and the materials used in electronic equipment and manufacturing perspectives In-depth treatments of various recycling technologies, including physical separation, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and biohydrometallurgy Perfect for materials scientists, electronic engineers, and metal processing professionals, Electronic Waste: Recycling and Reprocessing for a Sustainable Future will also earn a place in the libraries of industrial chemists and professionals working in organizations that use large amounts of chemicals or produce electronic waste.
This book is purposefully styled as an introductory textbook on circular economy (CE) for the benefit of educators and students of universities. It provides comprehensive knowledge exemplified by practices from policy, education, R&D, innovation, design, production, waste management, business and financing around the world. The book covers sectors such as agriculture/food, packaging materials, build environment, textile, energy, and mobility to inspire the growth of circular business transformation. It aims to stimulate action among different stakeholders to drive CE transformation. It elaborates critical driving forces of CE including digital technologies; restorative innovations; business opportunities & sustainable business model; financing instruments, regulation & assessment and experiential education programs. It connects a CE transformation for reaching the SDGs2030 and highlights youth leadership and entrepreneurship at all levels in driving the sustainability transformation.
Electronic waste contains toxic and carcinogenic compounds, which can pose a risk to the environment. This title discusses the directive and examines legislation in the USA and other parts of the world, considering the opportunities and threats posed by this form of waste.
This book provides an overview of a circular economy. This model has profound consequences for production, employment, education, money & finance but also induces a shift in public policy and taxation. Its economic advantage lies in designing out waste and favouring radical resource productivity with the prospect of rebuilding capital & resilience.
While plastics are extremely useful materials for modern society, plastics production and waste generation continue to increase with worsening environmental impacts despite international, national and local policy responses, as well as industry commitments. The first of two reports, this Outlook intends to inform and support policy efforts to combat plastic leakage.
Water Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling: Aqueous Recovery Methods provides data regarding the implementation of aqueous methods of processing of WEEEs at the industrial level. Chapters explore points-of-view of worldwide researchers and research project managers with respect to new research developments and how to improve processing technologies. The text is divided into two parts, with the first section addressing the new research regarding the hydrometallurgical procedures adopted from minerals processing technologies. Other sections cover green chemistry, bio-metallurgy applications for WEEE treatment and the current developed aqueous methods at industrial scale. A conclusion summarizes existing research with suggestions for future actions. - Provides a one-stop reference for hydrometallurgical processes of metal recovery from WEEE - Includes methods presented through intended applications, including waste printed circuit boards, LCD panels, lighting and more - Contains suggestions and recommendations for future actions and research prospects
ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT Current knowledge on electronic waste management strategies, along with future challenges and solutions, supported by case studies Electronic Waste Management maps out numerous aspects of health and environmental impacts associated with electronic waste, thoroughly detailing what we can expect in terms of the use of electronic products and the management of electronic waste in the future. The book assists readers in grasping the fundamentals of the entire e-waste system by covering various factors related to the health and environmental impacts of electronic waste, as well as a perspective on the subject based on current global recycling strategies. Presented in a straightforward and scientific manner, the book also covers many electronic waste management process technologies. By inviting together, a diverse group of experts, including researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals who generously shared their knowledge and experiences in the field to tackling this global issue, Electronic Waste Management enables readers to foster a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding electronic waste and to explore innovative solutions that can help mitigate its adverse effects on the environment and health of human and animals. Sample topics covered in Electronic Waste Management include: Global electronic waste management strategies and different global waste models, including their social, ecological, and economical aspects Economic impacts of e-waste, including cleanup costs and global loss of valuable resources like metals and plastics Value creation from electronic waste (closing the loop) and future prospects in sustainable development Negative impacts of e-waste, including environmental pollution and human health risks, such as when harmful chemicals leach into water sources Electronic Waste Management serves as a highly valuable resource for anyone involved in the global e-waste arena, including producers, users, recyclers, policymakers, academics, researchers, and health workers, by increasing knowledge and awareness surrounding health and environmental impacts that electronic waste poses.
