Showing papers on "Extended producer responsibility published in 2011"

Regulating the disposal of cigarette butts as toxic hazardous waste

Abstract: The trillions of cigarette butts generated each year throughout the world pose a significant challenge for disposal regulations, primarily because there are millions of points of disposal, along with the necessity to segregate, collect and dispose of the butts in a safe manner, and cigarette butts are toxic, hazardous waste. There are some hazardous waste laws, such as those covering used tyres and automobile batteries, in which the retailer is responsible for the proper disposal of the waste, but most post-consumer waste disposal is the responsibility of the consumer. Concepts such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) are being used for some post-consumer waste to pass the responsibility and cost for recycling or disposal to the manufacturer of the product. In total, 32 states in the US have passed EPR laws covering auto switches, batteries, carpet, cell phones, electronics, fluorescent lighting, mercury thermostats, paint and pesticide containers, and these could be models for cigarette waste legislation. A broader concept of producer stewardship includes EPR, but adds the consumer and the retailer into the regulation. The State of Maine considered a comprehensive product stewardship law in 2010 that is a much better model than EPR. By using either EPR or the Maine model, the tobacco industry will be required to cover the cost of collecting and disposing of cigarette butt waste. Additional requirements included in the Maine model are needed for consumers and businesses to complete the network that will be necessary to maximise the segregation and collection of cigarette butts to protect the environment.

Extended producer responsibility in Thailand: Prospects for policies on waste electrical and electronic equipment

Abstract: Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) sheds light on the dimmer side of production and consumption patterns in modern societies. The rapid increase in its quantity and complexity contribute to the challenges it poses to solid waste management systems. Several members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have relied on the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR) to tackle the issue, with varying degrees of success. Several non-OECD countries, including Thailand, are now developing WEEE programs and are looking for lessons from these first movers. This case study aims to provide an understanding both of this context and of the EPR program for WEEE proposed for Thailand. It finds that EPR mechanisms in general, and the proposed buy-back system financed by product fees in Thailand in particular, have a strong potential to consolidate WEEE collection for the formal recycling sector by offering end users monetary incentives. On the negative side, this is an expensive combination of policy instruments, and the institutional design of the governmental fund is rigid. The policy proposal also contains no mechanism for product redesign—one of the objectives in the national WEEE strategy. This article suggests that the effectiveness of the policy might benefit from more flexibility at the compliance scheme level, in order to lessen the monopoly of the governmental fund, as well as the introduction of differentiated fees to promote environmentally friendly products. (Less)

Supporting environmentally sound decisions for waste management with LCT and LCA

Abstract: Introduction The amount of waste generated in Europe and, beyond, by our production and consumption patterns is significant. A proper waste management is essential in order to reduce detrimental environmental impacts. For the European Union, the general principles of good waste management are outlined in the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC). This directive establishes a five-step hierarchy of waste management starting with the preferred option of waste prevention followed by preparing waste for reuse, recycling and other recovery with disposal (such as landfill) as the last resort.

Greener Products: The Making and Marketing of Sustainable Brands

Abstract: THE CASE FOR GREENER PRODUCTS Introduction Things Will Never Be the Same What Caused This Shift? Constant Pressures on the Environment Mainstreaming of Greener Products Why the Focus on Greener Products? Things Will Never Be the Same References Market Drivers for Greener Products Consumer Demand for Greener Products Retailers' Demand B2B Purchasing Eco-Innovation as a Value Driver Running an Eco-Innovation Session Product Rating Systems Socially Responsible Investment Green Public Procurement Conclusion References Regulatory Drivers for Greener Products A New Set of Rules Packaging Regulations Restriction on the Use of Chemicals and Notifications Extended Producer Responsibility Supply Chain Issues Company Management Systems for Product Regulations Emerging Issues Emerging Issues Process Examples of Emerging Issues Discussing Emerging Issues Publicly Conclusion References MAKING GREENER PRODUCTS Greener Products Design Examples Ecomagination(TM) Timberland's Green Index(R) SC Johnson GreenList(TM) Clorox Green Works(R) Philips(R) Samsung Electronics Apple(R) Inc. Seventh Generation Method Procter & Gamble Unilever DuPont(R) BASF Johnson & Johnson Common Practices among Leaders References Framework for Developing Greener Products (James A. Fava) Setting the Stage: Identifying Trade-Offs and Opportunities A Sustainability Toolbox Exists Useful Standards Are Available Final Thoughts Conclusions References GREEN MARKETING Consumer Interest in Green Purchases Is Growing (Lee Ann Head, Karen Barnes, and Suzanne Shelton) Introduction to the Chapter The Mainstreaming of Green Green Purchase Drivers Differ by Product Category Green Habits Are Also Increasing So, Who's Buying Green? Summary and Conclusions References Green Marketing The Case for Green Marketing Consumer Demand Business-to-Business Demand Examples of Green Marketing B2C Green Marketing Examples Communicating Green Attributes Important to the Customer B2B Green Marketing Examples Key Elements of Effective Green Marketing References Aspects of Green Marketing Greenwashing Regulatory Standards for Green Marketing Cause Marketing Eco-Labels References Best Practices and Conclusions The Greener Product Imperative Best Practices for Making Greener Products Best Practices for Green Marketing Conclusions References Index

Waste-based composites—Poverty reducing solutions to environmental problems

Abstract: This paper highlights an innovative model of waste management combined with poverty reduction, which has been developed by the organisation Waste for Life ( wasteforlifeorg ) – a network of academics, students, practitioners and on the ground cooperative partners in low income communities The Waste for Life teams work with local cooperatives to create waste-based composites, which may be sold in local markets, thereby creating an income stream The application of this model to the context of cartoneros (waste picker) cooperatives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, reveals that viable products can be made from paper and plastic waste, with low-impact material preparation that circumvents the need for chemically intensive, polluting and mechanically degrading procedures, preserving recycled fibre integrity Tests on material samples indicate mechanical properties comparable to products made with more complex processing The production model is based on the philosophy that not only the waste materials, but also the production equipment should be locally sourced and manufactured and products created to suit local markets A simple reproducible model has been developed for the local manufacture of composites from waste, which can provide an income source for waste pickers as well as providing an innovative waste management solution

Hazardous Waste Management and Corporate Social Responsibility: Illegal Trade of Electrical and Electronic Waste

Abstract: Taking electrical and electronic waste as its field of observation, this study investigates the illegal trade in hazardous waste from developed countries toward developing countries. Despite increased legislation, the problem of waste in developed countries, far from being treated upstream, is largely shifted downstream by exporting it to developing countries. The two interpretations we offer, economic and institutional, enable us to show how cost constraints on waste management in developed countries coupled with the shortcomings and nonapplication of the legislation lead to socially irresponsible behavior. We then go on to suggest that the involvement of stakeholders could be one way of stamping out practices of this kind.

Advancing the Frontier of Extended Producer Responsibility: The management of waste electrical and electronic equipment in non-OECD countries

Abstract: Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has become a salient issue in non-OECD countries. With a growing awareness about serious damages to the environment and human health from a lack of safe treatment and recycling of WEEE, there has been a search for policy responses in several of these countries. This research finds that extended producer responsibility (EPR), a policy principle that underpins WEEE programmes in many OECD countries, can help solve the WEEE problem in non-OECD countries by putting the onus on the producers to ensure environmentally sound management of their end-of-life products and make improvements in their product systems, including change in product design. Although there are challenges to the implementation of EPR in emerging and developing economies, notably the problem of free riders and the competition for materials from the polluting recycling sector, they are manageable. In addition, opportunities exist that can facilitate the development of EPR-based solutions, such as the relatively small stock of historical WEEE and manufacturers that have the commitment and experiences with the principle. What is needed to realise this potential is for the policy-makers to create a policy framework that allows and encourages product and system innovations from the producers.

E-waste Management: Teaching how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle For Sustainable Development- Need of Some Educational strategies

Abstract: The constantly changing world of technology is the world's largest and fastest growing manufacturing industry. The vast growth and rapid product obsolescence has brought about the serious problem of e-waste, which is now the fastest growing form of waste in the industrialized world. E-waste encompasses a broad and growing category of electronic devices ranging from large household appliances such as refrigerators, microwave ovens and air conditioners to consumer electronics such as cellular phones, televisions, personal stereos and computers. Electronic equipment contains a variety of toxic ingredients, including hazardous heavy metals that pollute the environment and are very dangerous to human health. This paper discusses some of the principles that are being employed to alleviate the environmental impact of e-waste such as extended producer responsibility, design for environment (DfE), consumer driven solutions. This article also discusses educational strategies that can be employed to educate global audiences; this paper highlights the hazards of e-wastes, the need for its appropriate management and options that can be implemented.

Rfid-based individualization of extended producer responsibility and recycling for weee

Abstract: Recycling of ICT and other electronic products is gaining in importance due to both ecological and economic reasons such as the shortage of resources contained in electronic devices. European legislation has handed the responsibility for recycling electronic products to the producers. However, the WEEE directive (waste electrical and electronic equipment) and its national transpositions have been criticized for failing to reach the original goal of promoting design for recycling. In this paper we analyze how detailed object-related information can support recycling processes. We propose a distributed RFID-based waste management information system for electronic devices which enables individualizing producer responsibility but also supports other goals of waste management by providing detailed object-related information. We first analyze deficiencies in current practice and then conduct a requirements analysis for the proposed system. Based on this we create a system design model, consisting of data and object model and system architecture.

Management and Export of Wastes: Human Health Implications

Abstract: The waste-oriented society is standing at the crossroads between deciding to ignore serious environmental damage caused by waste and taking radical measures. Waste generation continues to increase worldwide in tandem with growth in consumption. Economic globalization facilitates the global transfer of wastes. Waste composition changes rapidly with new production technologies where waste is generated as a by-product. In this way, human beings are developing transnational waste streams and new waste types that may have serious unknown impacts on both human health and the environment. Illegal waste practices and transboundary transport have become very problematic because of many accidents. Wastes are often disposed of in the ‘cheapest’ countries without environmental liability. Owing to these reasons, international waste management conventions striving for regulation of the international waste streams have been established. The life cycle of a product in connection with the waste stream from generation to disposal, including recycling, several waste recovery and treatment methods, and landfilling, stand in the forefront of this discussion. All disposal techniques are more or less energy-intensive and are connected with further distinct environmental damage. Managing waste in an efficient way while minimizing environmental threats in the form of released pollutants requires international control of waste management. This article focuses on the controversial aspects involving waste and environmental health and examines them as closely interconnected issues.

Transboundary Movement of Waste: Second-Hand Markets and Illegal Shipments

Abstract: In a stylized model of international trade, firms in the North indirectly export second-hand products to a representative firm in the South to be reused as intermediate goods, with potential trade gains. The level of reusability of waste products is a crucial choice variable in the North. This is because, in the presence of imperfect international monitoring, non-reusable waste can be illegally mixed with reusable waste. I explore the driving forces for illegal waste movement, with a particular focus on local waste regulations such as the EU’s Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

Lease and service for product life‐cycle management: an accounting perspective

Abstract: Purpose – Previous research in lease finance and evaluation has given little consideration to environmental factors. The purpose of this paper is to add to the literature by analysing how leasing provides a more attractive option than selling and extended producer responsibility (EPR) in helping to close product life‐cycle loops, extend the useful life of products, and increase environmental benefits.Design/methodology/approach – This paper revisits the accounting concepts of asset depreciation, residual value and cost of leasing and proposes methods to incorporate these concepts into the “closed loop” lease and service mode for product life‐cycle management.Findings – For business, the “closed loop” lease and service mode changes asset values through the extension of the asset's useful life and in particular, the increase of the residual value of the product (i.e. recoverable value to the producer/lessor). Such changes reduce the cost of leasing to the advantage of both lessor and lessee. However, the ar...

Policy Forum: Should Extended Producer Responsibility Programs Use Eco-Fee-Included Pricing?

Abstract: Extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs shift the responsibility for the operation and funding of end-of-life waste management programs for a wide variety of problematic and hazardous wastes and products from municipalities and taxpayers to producers. With the exception of a couple of programs in New Brunswick and Quebec, which are described in the article, the majority of these programs are funded through the use of an eco-fee-excluded pricing mechanism. Eco fees are collected at the point of purchase and are remitted to producer responsibility organizations, which have the legal obligation to manage waste and end-of-life products.The use of eco fees that are visible to the consumer has been controversial in the environmental and waste management policy communities, where there has been debate as to what is the best EPR financial mechanism to encourage producers to internalize the costs of recycling and end-of-life management and to otherwise improve product environmental performance. The debate about the visibility of eco fees has parallels in the debate that has been explored in the pages of this journal (and elsewhere) regarding tax-inclusive versus tax-exclusive pricing for the goods and service tax/harmonized sales tax.The author describes the discussions in both the tax and the environmental fields, sets out a number of policy principles to guide EPR program funding, and contends that eco-fee-included pricing would support the primary EPR objective of providing incentives for improving product environmental performance. At the same time, eco-fee-included pricing would strengthen the shift of responsibility for program performance to producers and would be compatible with a number of other EPR program objectives. It is suggested that the failure of phase 2 of Ontario's Municipal Hazardous and Special Wastes EPR program in 2010 points to the need for governments to look more closely at the EPR eco-fee-included pricing mechanism and at the programs in New Brunswick and Quebec, and to be more prescriptive regarding cost internalization by producers.

Is Resource Efficiency a Solution for Sustainability Challenges?. Japan’s Sustainable Strategy and Resource Productivity Policy in the 21st Century

Abstract: After the earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear incident in North East Japan in March 2011, there is increasing discussion of reconstructing the damaged areas in an environmentally sustainable manner in Japan. The politicians are beginning to argue that this is an opportunity to reconstruct Japanese society in a more sustainable manner. This paper attempts to examine whether there are potential visions of a sustainable Japan in the future in Japan’s strategy for sustainability and environmental management in the 1990s to the 2000s. The paper argues that Japan’s sustainability strategy can be characterized by its emphasis on improving resource productivity by recognizing environmental challenges as opportunities for further technical progress, innovation, and industrial competitiveness. Then, the paper seeks to further clarify such characteristics of the strategy for sustainability by examination of Japan’s sound material-cycle policy since the 1990s until 2010, with particular attention given to recycling policies that are based on the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the eco-town program for establishing a recycling infrastructure. After arguing that national interest on policy for increasing resource productivity may not be universal but may depend on difference in industrial structure of the country, the paper overviews and analyzes three recent sustainability strategies developed by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the Government of Japan in the past few years. They are “Strategy for an Environmental Nation in the 21st Century” in 2007, “Clean Asia Initiative” in 2008, and “New Growth Strategy” in 2010. By doing so, the paper argues that Japan’s sustainable strategy continues to emphasize “increasing efficiency”. It then concludes that it is a time to give greater emphasis to total reduction of the environmental impact of production and consumption to achieve the next step of sustainability for Japan and elsewhere in the world.

The Waste Hierarchy Model: Disassembling and Reassembling the Socio-Materiality of Waste

Abstract: The production of waste is a central concern for environmental policy, and waste management is a critical urban infrastructural service. The social and material presence of waste – the socio-materiality of waste – is a pressing issue for urban sustainability. This article shows how the European Union waste hierarchy affects the socio-material status of waste. The waste hierarchy (TWH) is a prescriptive model articulated to classify the desirability of different waste management approaches according to their environmental impact. It is investigated how TWH has been acknowledged and interpreted by the Swedish EPA, the organization Swedish Waste Management who represents the interest of municipal bodies involved with waste, and two municipal waste management companies. THW disassembles and reassembles waste. It is shown how these transformations redefine relationships between economy and environment, and between society and nature. Waste socio-materiality is consequently argued to be crucial for making the environmental impact of products visible. TWH manifests significant environmental policy ambitions. The concluding discussion examines the potential for TWH to introduce material circulations that both ensure a sustainable urban future and perform sustainability in consumer societies.

An overview of ICT waste management: Suggestions of best practices from developed countries to developing nations (Nigeria)

Abstract: As newer technology consistently emerge from day to day and more ICT equipment are been produced, people hunger and thirst for better ICT product, there arise a neglected part of the side effect of these product known generally as ICT waste This side effect of advance in technology has been neglected especially by developing nations and it requires urgent attention in other to save space, lives, ecology and the environment Technology and ecology should be in harmony This paper aims to discuss categories of e-waste, reasons for increase in ICT waste, negative effects of e-waste and e-waste drivers In order to fulfill this aim, comparatives study of two countries that have good waste management practice was done From the comparative study, lessons were learnt from both countries, issues in ICT waste management was coined and suggestions were given to developing nations on ways to improve their e-waste management practices

End-of-life management of solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract: This thesis reports on research undertaken to investigate the end-of-life management of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), through the definition of a framework and the development of a multicriteria evaluation methodology which together support comparison of alternative end-of-life scenarios. The primary objective of this research is to develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising during the end-of-life phase of the technology, such that any conflicts with end-of-life requirements might be addressed and opportunities for optimising the end-of-life phase fully exploited. The research contributions can be considered in four principal parts. The first part comprises a review of SOFC technology and its place in future sustainable energy scenarios, alongside a review of a growing body of legislation which embodies concepts such as Extended Producer Responsibility and Integrated Product Policy. When considered in the context of the life cycle assessment literature, which clearly points to a lack of knowledge regarding the end-of-life phase of the SOFC life cycle, this review concludes that the requirement for effective end-of life management of SOFC products is an essential consideration prior to the widespread adoption of commercial products. The second part of the research defines a framework for end-of-life management of SOFCs, which supports clarification of the challenges presented by the SOFC stack waste stream, as well as identifying a systematic approach for addressing these challenges through the development of alternative end-of-life management scenarios. The framework identifies a need to evaluate the effectiveness of these end-of-life scenarios according to three performance criteria: legislative compliance; environmental impact; and economic impact. The third part of the research is concerned with the development of a multi-criteria evaluation methodology, which combines conventional evaluation methods such as life cycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis, with a novel risk assessment tool for evaluating compliance with current and future legislation. A decision support tool builds on existing multi-criteria decision making methods to provide a comparative performance indicator for identification of an end of-life scenario demonstrating low risk of non-compliance with future legislation; low environmental impact; and a low cost-benefit ratio. Finally, the validity of the framework for end-of-life management is tested through the completion of two case studies. These case studies demonstrate the flexibility of the framework in supporting a reactive end-of-life management approach, whereby end-of-life management is constrained by characteristics of the product design, and a proactive approach, whereby the impact of design modification on the end-of-life phase is explored. In summary, the research clearly highlights the significance of the end-of-life stage of the SOFC life cycle. On the one hand, failure to manage end-of-life products effectively risks undermining the environmental credentials of the technology and is likely to lead to the loss of a high-value, resource-rich material stream. On the other hand, the early consideration of aspects identified in the research, especially while opportunities remain to influence final product design, represents a real opportunity for optimising the end-of-life management of SOFC products in such a way as to fully realise their potential as a clean and efficient power generation solution for the future.

Design of the expense allocation mechanism in e-waste recycling deposit system under EPR framework

Abstract: In order to address the serious issue of informal e-waste recycling in China, though carefully analyzing correlative monetary, information and product flow for China's e-waste special fund administration, we propose to establish a framework of a deposit refund system under the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) principles. The deposit refund system can increase the incentives of consumer recycling and ensure the construction of a formal recycling channel. Given the economic responsibilities of the multiple parties involved, we also come up with an optimized design of the reverse supply chain expense mechanism for e-waste recycling. In addition, after analyzing the concept and the core role of the deposit fund, we introduce it as a corresponding parameter in the supply chain model. This research extends a typical reverse supply chain model to one that involves manufacturer, third-party recycler, and consumer, as while as considers government decision and consumer activities. The proposed expenses allocation incentive mechanism is constructed on the foundation of the supply chain optimization theory. This research provides a new perspective on supply chain analysis by focusing on the issues of e-waste recycling, its environmental impacts, and incentives to informal recycling in China. Meanwhile, this study also takes into account the appropriate role of the Chinese government and the influence of the deposit fund to the supply chain and is intended to resolve the problem of the shared responsibility in e-waste recycling.