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An analysis of some environmental consequences of European electrical and electronic waste regulation

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  • Barba-Gutiérrez, Y.
  • Adenso-Díaz, B.
  • Hopp, M.

Abstract

In recent years, new European Directives have been issued to ensure that Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is treated in as environmentally friendly a way as possible. These new European laws call for the creation of new logistics networks to collect all such waste. The purpose of this paper is to show that, under certain circumstances, the environmental impact of these networks could be even higher than the impact of non-collection. Different appliances were analysed (washing machines, refrigerators, TV sets and personal computers) in order to test this hypothesis. The methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was applied, highlighting especially the final phase of product life and calculating the threshold beyond which collection is harmful for each type of equipment. The results demonstrate that, depending on the distance travelled to pick up the domestic appliances, recycling is not as environmental friendly as expected, especially when it comes to the impact of fossil fuels or respiratory inorganics (winter smog). This work can be a useful tool for manufacturers (now forced to take back all the equipment after use for subsequent treatment) when designing their new recycling networks from an environmental perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Barba-Gutiérrez, Y. & Adenso-Díaz, B. & Hopp, M., 2008. "An analysis of some environmental consequences of European electrical and electronic waste regulation," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 52(3), pages 481-495.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:52:y:2008:i:3:p:481-495
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2007.06.002
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    1. Patrick Hofstetter & Arthur Braunschweig & Thomas Mettier & Ruedi Müller‐Wenk & Olaf Tietje, 1999. "The Mixing Triangle: Correlation and Graphical Decision Support for LCA‐based Comparisons," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 3(4), pages 97-115, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ylä-Mella, Jenni & Poikela, Kari & Lehtinen, Ulla & Keiski, Riitta L. & Pongrácz, Eva, 2014. "Implementation of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive in Finland: Evaluation of the collection network and challenges of the effective WEEE management," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 38-46.
    2. Nnorom, I.C. & Osibanjo, O. & Ogwuegbu, M.O.C., 2011. "Global disposal strategies for waste cathode ray tubes," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 55(3), pages 275-290.
    3. Pérez-Belis, V. & Bovea, M.D. & Gómez, A., 2013. "Waste electric and electronic toys: Management practices and characterisation," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 1-12.
    4. Lee, Michael James & Rahimifard, Shahin, 2012. "An air-based automated material recycling system for postconsumer footwear products," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 90-99.
    5. Ardente, Fulvio & Calero Pastor, Maria & Mathieux, Fabrice & Talens Peiró, Laura, 2015. "Analysis of end-of-life treatments of commercial refrigerating appliances: Bridging product and waste policies," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 42-52.
    6. Tamás Bányai & Péter Tamás & Béla Illés & Živilė Stankevičiūtė & Ágota Bányai, 2019. "Optimization of Municipal Waste Collection Routing: Impact of Industry 4.0 Technologies on Environmental Awareness and Sustainability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-26, February.
    7. Zhu, Qinghua & Sarkis, Joseph & Lai, Kee-hung, 2011. "An institutional theoretic investigation on the links between internationalization of Chinese manufacturers and their environmental supply chain management," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 55(6), pages 623-630.
    8. Fehr, M. & Pereira, A.F.N. & Barbosa, A.K.A., 2009. "Supporting waste and water management with proactive legal instruments," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(1), pages 21-27.
    9. Gamberini, Rita & Gebennini, Elisa & Manzini, Riccardo & Ziveri, Andrea, 2010. "On the integration of planning and environmental impact assessment for a WEEE transportation network—A case study," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(11), pages 937-951.
    10. Iakovou, E. & Moussiopoulos, N. & Xanthopoulos, A. & Achillas, Ch. & Michailidis, N. & Chatzipanagioti, M. & Koroneos, C. & Bouzakis, K.-D. & Kikis, V., 2009. "A methodological framework for end-of-life management of electronic products," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 53(6), pages 329-339.

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