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Promoting the circular economy in the EU: How can the recycling of e-waste be increased?

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  • Neves, Sónia Almeida
  • Marques, António Cardoso
  • Silva, Inês Patrício

Abstract

Moving from a linear to a circular economy is crucial to reduce environmental pressure. This transition is particularly relevant in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) industry, given that EEE has one of the fastest-growing waste streams. Recycling is one solution for dealing with the growing amounts of this e-waste. Therefore, this paper analyses the drivers and barriers to e-waste recycling, taking into account the role of economic, social, institutional, and behavioural factors. Yearly data from 2010 to 2018 for 20 European Union countries were analysed employing an Arellano-Bond Generalised Method of Moments. The main findings were that, while environmental taxes and education boost the rate of e-recycling, economic growth and R&D appear to reduce it, and certain age groups are less likely to recycle e-waste. Recycling policies should prioritize education, environmental taxes, and addressing reluctance among the young and elderly to recycle.

Suggested Citation

  • Neves, Sónia Almeida & Marques, António Cardoso & Silva, Inês Patrício, 2024. "Promoting the circular economy in the EU: How can the recycling of e-waste be increased?," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 192-201.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:streco:v:70:y:2024:i:c:p:192-201
    DOI: 10.1016/j.strueco.2024.02.006
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Recycling; E-waste; Environment; Circular economy; European union;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O0 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - General
    • O2 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy
    • Q0 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics

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