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Thermodynamic rarity of electrical and electronic waste: Assessment and policy implications for critical materials

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  • Kieran Campbell‐Johnston
  • Erik Roos Lindgreen
  • Giovanni Mondello
  • Teresa Maria Gulotta
  • Walter J. V. Vermeulen
  • Roberta Salomone

Abstract

The strategic relevance of extracting raw materials from waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in the EU is increasing due to value chain risks caused by geopolitical instability, accessibility of specific minerals, and decreasing reserves due to growing extraction rates. This article examines the quantities of so‐called critical raw materials (CRMs) originating within WEEE streams from a depletion perspective. Presently, current recycling targets are based solely on mass collection and recycling rates. We examine the potential limitations of this approach using an exergy‐based indicator named thermodynamic rarity. This indicator represents the exergy costs needed for producing materials from the bare rock to market. The case of Italy is used to explore the application of the indicator at the macro (national) and micro (company) level for the product categories “small electronics” and “screens and monitors.” Our estimations show significant differences between the mass and rarity of materials within Italian WEEE streams. While iron accounts for more than 70% of the weight of the product categories analyzed, it accounts for less than 15% of the rarity. Similarly, several CRMs with a small mass have a higher rarity value, for example, tungsten with less than 0.1% of the mass and over 6% of the rarity. The policy context is reflected upon, where it is argued that thermodynamic rarity can provide novel insights to support end‐of‐life WEEE decision‐making processes, for example, target development and recycling standards setting to help prioritize material monitoring and recovery options.

Suggested Citation

  • Kieran Campbell‐Johnston & Erik Roos Lindgreen & Giovanni Mondello & Teresa Maria Gulotta & Walter J. V. Vermeulen & Roberta Salomone, 2023. "Thermodynamic rarity of electrical and electronic waste: Assessment and policy implications for critical materials," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(2), pages 508-521, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:27:y:2023:i:2:p:508-521
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13374
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Trevor Zink & Roland Geyer, 2017. "Circular Economy Rebound," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 21(3), pages 593-602, June.
    2. Alicia Valero & Antonio Valero, 2013. "From Grave to Cradle," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 17(1), pages 43-52, February.
    3. Abel Ortego & Alicia Valero & Antonio Valero & Eliette Restrepo, 2018. "Vehicles and Critical Raw Materials: A Sustainability Assessment Using Thermodynamic Rarity," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 22(5), pages 1005-1015, October.
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