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Circular Economy in the Electronic Products Sector: Material Flow Analysis and Economic Impact of Cellphone E-Waste in Mexico

Author

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  • Daniela Cordova-Pizarro

    (School of Engineering and Science, Tecnologico de Monterrey, 64849 Monterrey, Mexico)

  • Ismael Aguilar-Barajas

    (School of Social Sciences and Government, Tecnologico de Monterrey, 64849 Monterrey, Mexico)

  • David Romero

    (School of Engineering and Science, Tecnologico de Monterrey, 64849 Monterrey, Mexico)

  • Ciro A. Rodriguez

    (School of Engineering and Science, Tecnologico de Monterrey, 64849 Monterrey, Mexico)

Abstract

The circular economy (CE) model has become highly relevant in recent years, with the electronics industry being one of the sectors that has considered its application. Despite only a limited amount of literature being available on waste electric and electronic equipment (e-waste) in Mexico, the Mexican Government, academic institutions, and electronics industry have coordinated efforts to implement the CE in the country. This study evaluates the current technical and economic situation of cellphone e-waste generated in Mexico by surveying and analyzing the main actors that influence the management of this waste and using a material flow analysis. Extensive fieldwork was conducted in order to quantify the extent of cellphone e-waste processing in both formal and informal channels. The study of printed circuit boards in cellphones shows that the total value of cellphone e-waste materials ranges between $11.277 and $12.444 million USD per year in Mexico. However, a value of only $0.677 million USD is recycled through formal channels. After characterizing the remanufacturing and recycling CE loops, we conclude that the potential for improvement and advancing towards a CE model is significant

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Cordova-Pizarro & Ismael Aguilar-Barajas & David Romero & Ciro A. Rodriguez, 2019. "Circular Economy in the Electronic Products Sector: Material Flow Analysis and Economic Impact of Cellphone E-Waste in Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:5:p:1361-:d:211042
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Fernanda Pedro & Ernesto Giglio & Luis Velazquez & Nora Munguia, 2021. "Constructed Governance as Solution to Conflicts in E-Waste Recycling Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-22, February.
    5. Salma Taqi Ghulam & Hatem Abushammala, 2023. "Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of Electronic Waste and Its Impact on Human Health and Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-22, January.
    6. Lynda Andeobu & Santoso Wibowo & Srimannarayana Grandhi, 2023. "Environmental and Health Consequences of E-Waste Dumping and Recycling Carried out by Selected Countries in Asia and Latin America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-28, July.
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    8. Hilal Shams & Altaf Hossain Molla & Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman & Hawa Hishamuddin & Zambri Harun & Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar, 2023. "Exploring Industry-Specific Research Themes on E-Waste: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-22, August.
    9. Geraldo Cardoso de Oliveira Neto & Auro de Jesus Cardoso Correia & Henrricco Nieves Pujol Tucci & Rosângela Andrade Pita Brancalhão Melatto & Marlene Amorim, 2023. "Reverse Chain for Electronic Waste to Promote Circular Economy in Brazil: A Survey on Electronics Manufacturers and Importers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-27, February.
    10. Dhiya Durani Sofian Azizi & Marlia M. Hanafiah & Kok Sin Woon, 2023. "Material Flow Analysis in WEEE Management for Circular Economy: A Content Review on Applications, Limitations, and Future Outlook," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-22, February.
    11. Álvaro Antón-Sancho & Pablo Fernández-Arias & Diego Vergara, 2023. "Perception of the Use of Virtual Reality Didactic Tools among Faculty in Mexico," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, February.
    12. Samuel Abalansa & Badr El Mahrad & John Icely & Alice Newton, 2021. "Electronic Waste, an Environmental Problem Exported to Developing Countries: The GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-24, May.
    13. Fu Chen & Xiaoxiao Li & Yongjun Yang & Huping Hou & Gang-Jun Liu & Shaoliang Zhang, 2019. "Storing E-waste in Green Infrastructure to Reduce Perceived Value Loss through Landfill Siting and Landscaping: A Case Study in Nanjing, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-15, March.
    14. Sohani Vihanga Withanage & Komal Habib, 2021. "Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Analysis: Two Under-Utilized Tools for Informing E-Waste Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-21, July.
    15. Andrea Urbinati & Davide Chiaroni & Giovanni Toletti, 2019. "Managing the Introduction of Circular Products: Evidence from the Beverage Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-12, July.
    16. Luiz C. Terra dos Santos & Adrielle Frimaio & Biagio F. Giannetti & Feni Agostinho & Gengyuan Liu & Cecilia M. V. B. Almeida, 2023. "Integrating Environmental, Social, and Economic Dimensions to Monitor Sustainability in the G20 Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
    17. Seungyeon Moon & Heesang Lee, 2021. "Shaping a Circular Economy in the Digital TV Industry: Focusing on Ecopreneurship through the Lens of Dynamic Capability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-41, April.

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