The transport of discarded electronic and electrical appliances (e-waste) to developing regions has received considerable attention, but it is difficult to assess the significance of this issue without a quantitative understanding of the amounts involved. The main objective of this study is to track the global transport of e-wastes by compiling and constraining existing estimates of the amount of e-waste generated domestically in each country MGEN, exported from countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) MEXP, and imported in countries outside of the OECD MIMP. Reference year is 2005 and all estimates are given with an uncertainty range. Estimates of MGEN obtained by apportioning a global total of ∼ 35,000 kt (range 20,000-50,000 kt) based on a nation's gross domestic product agree well with independent estimates of MGEN for individual countries. Import estimates MIMP to the countries believed to be the major recipients of e-waste exports from the OECD globally (China, India, and five West African countries) suggests that ∼ 5,000 kt (3,600 kt-7,300 kt) may have been imported annually to these non-OECD countries alone, which represents ∼ 23% (17%-34%) of the amounts of e-waste generated domestically within the OECD. MEXP for each OECD country is then estimated by applying this fraction of 23% to its MGEN. By allocating each country's MGEN, MIMP, MEXP and MNET = MGEN + MIMP - MEXP, we can map the global generation and flows of e-waste from OECD to non-OECD countries. While significant uncertainties remain, we note that estimated import into seven non-OECD countries alone are often at the higher end of estimates of exports from OECD countries.

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Tracking the global generation and exports of e-waste. Do existing estimates add up?

Environmental effects of heavy metals derived from the e-waste recycling activities in China: A systematic review

Globally, electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is now a part of daily life. When this equipment becomes waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE or E-waste), however, it needs to be properly processed, for use as a source of materials for future production and renewable energy, and to minimize both the exploitation of raw materials and the deleterious effects on both the environment and human health. A large quantity of e-waste is generated in both India and China, and both countries still suffer from an entrenched informal e-waste processing sector. Consequently, valuable materials in e-waste are disposed in open land, rather than being properly extracted for reuse and recycling. In this article we note that the major portion of e-waste in China and India is collected by the informal sector and treated with primitive methods. Additionally, illegal shifting agents also play a role by mislabeling e-waste and exporting them to developing countries. This article proposes that: the implementation of e-waste management laws and policies for proper e-waste collection, treatment and recycling, better educate consumers on the dangers of e-waste contamination, restrict the illegal movement of e-waste across borders, and support the development of a formal, regulated e-waste processing industry by funding incentive programs constructing recycling infrastructure. These measures should increase the recycling capacity and decrease the amount of WEEE contaminating the environment and endangering human health.

Management of electrical and electronic waste: A comparative evaluation of China and India

The objective of this research is to explore young adults’ e-waste recycling behaviour cross-culturally using an extended Theory of planned Behaviour (TPB) model. The results of a survey involving respondents from the two culturally-distinct emerging markets showed that the key influencing factors that influenced e-waste recycling behaviour amongst young adults were: Attitude (moderated by a Sense of Duty), Perceived Control, Subjective Norm and Individual Responsibility whereas Convenience and Consequences Awareness constructs did not have significant influence. Cross-cultural differences were also evident as stronger relationships were witnessed for Perceived Control and Subjective Norm constructs for the Chinese young adults’ intention to recycle e-waste. The reverse was found to be true for Attitude (moderated by a Sense of Duty) and Individual Responsibility constructs where stronger relationships were observed in the Indian sample. This research makes a valuable theoretical contribution as it is positioned at the intersection of cross-cultural studies, sustainability and reverse supply chain management areas. This study has practical implication at two levels: the individual actor level and the supply chain level as consumers’ intentions to recycle, underpinned by responsibility towards environment, directly impact the performance of reverse supply chains.

Exploring young adults’ e-waste recycling behaviour using an extended theory of planned behaviour model: A cross-cultural study

China is one of the largest manufacturers and consumers of electronic products, thus consequently generating a large amount of e-wastes, while the processes of treatment and recycling of e-wastes has resulted in severe adverse environmental and human health impacts in China. Hence, e-waste management in China has aroused widespread concern around the world. In recent years, central and local governments have made great efforts to improve e-waste management in China. New regulations and enterprise cooperation have been encouraged. Considering these developments, an overview is necessary to analyze the current state as well as new possible solutions and challenges regarding e-waste management in China. This study shows that the amount of e-wastes collected and dismantled and the growth rate of five major electronic equipment types from 2000 to 2012 increased sharply. Barriers and suggested solutions related to China’s e-wastes are identified and discussed, followed by policy implications towards improving the overall eco-efficiency of e-wastes.

An overview of e-waste management in China

Due to rapid economic growth, faster upgrade of electrical and electronic equipment causes the ever-increasing quantity of waste electrical and electronic products (WEEE). At present, China is not only a large consumption nation of electrical products, but also a largest importer of e-waste. Through reviewing the present status of e-waste industry and the legal system in China, this article analyzing several problems and barriers in China's e-waste recycling industry: (a) illegal e-waste import from developed countries; (b) the booming development of China's informal recycling sectors; (c) informal disposal leading to serious environmental problems and human health impacts; (d) formal companies facing with the problems of severe lack of e-waste; (e) the morbidity of China's regulatory and legal system. What's more, compared with several developed countries in e-waste management, this paper also recommends that (a) building up the regulatory system of e-waste management in both central and local government; (b) encouraging the development of formal disposal of WEEE; (c) forcing enterprises to focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Lin Wei

Papers

Present Status of e-waste Disposal and Recycling in China