Showing papers on "Extended producer responsibility published in 2019"

Solutions and Integrated Strategies for the Control and Mitigation of Plastic and Microplastic Pollution

Abstract: Plastic pollution is generated by the unsustainable use and disposal of plastic products in modern society, threatening economies, ecosystems, and human health. Current clean-up strategies have attempted to mitigate the negative effects of plastic pollution but are unable to compete with increasing quantities of plastic entering the environment. Thus, reducing inputs of plastic to the environment must be prioritized through a global multidisciplinary approach. Mismanaged waste is a major land-based source of plastic pollution that can be reduced through improvements in the life-cycle of plastics, especially in production, consumption, and disposal, through an Integrated Waste Management System. In this review paper, we discuss current practices to improve life cycle and waste management of plastics that can be implemented to reduce health and environmental impacts of plastics and reduce plastics pollution. Ten recommendations for stakeholders to reduce plastic pollution include (1) regulation of production and consumption; (2) eco-design; (3) increasing the demand for recycled plastics; (4) reducing the use of plastics; (5) use of renewable energy for recycling; (6) extended producer responsibility over waste; (7) improvements in waste collection systems; (8) prioritization of recycling; (9) use of bio-based and biodegradable plastics; and (10) improvement in recyclability of e-waste.

Design Implications of Extended Producer Responsibility for Durable Products

Abstract: We analyze product design implications of extended producer responsibility (EPR)-based take-back legislation on durable goods. In particular, we observe that durable product design incentives under...

An integrated architecture for implementing extended producer responsibility in the context of Industry 4.0

Abstract: Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory measure to enforce the life cycle management of electrical and electronic equipment, however, the implementation of EPR programmes is not as e...

A bibliometric analysis on waste electrical and electronic equipment research

Abstract: Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) contains both toxic and valuable materials. Due to rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT), a large amount of WEEE have been produced, leading to increasing academic efforts in this field. This study aims to depict the trends and features of WEEE-related studies through a bibliometric analysis. The results show that the total number of WEEE-related publications had sharply increased, with China as the leading country. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences is the most productive WEEE-related research institution, while Mai BX is the most productive author. As such, Waste Management, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Environmental Science & Technology are the most influential journals. The research hotspots of WEEE mainly focus on the recycling and treatment technologies, environmental impacts, and relevant policies of WEEE. By tracing the evolutionary pathway of WEEE research, it is clear that the research frontiers have switched from electronic equipment, extended producer responsibility, sediment, environment and design, risk assessment to life cycle assessment, mobile phone, and behaviors. This study provides valuable insights to those WEEE-related scholars so that they can identify their own research topics and partners. This paper is one of the first studies in WEEE research field that offers critical discussions and suggestions related to research development and future trends, and used visualized tools to present the holistic picture of this field.

Valuable e-waste: Implications for extended producer responsibility

Abstract: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)-based product take-back regulation holds OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) of electronics responsible for the collection and recovery (e.g., recycling) ...

E-Waste Management in India: Issues and Strategies:

Abstract: 127 Creative Commons Non Commercial CC BY-NC: This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial 4.0 License (http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-Commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage). E-Waste Management in India: Issues and Strategies

Behavioral game and simulation analysis of extended producer responsibility system’s implementation under environmental regulations

Abstract: The implementation of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) for e-waste is an important measure to develop an ecological civilization. In order to advance manufacturing enterprises to effectively implement resource and environmental responsibility, this study investigates the main causes of environmental regulation failure from the perspective of government and enterprises. The game theory was used to establish an evolutionary game model between government regulatory departments and electronic and electrical products’ manufacturing enterprises. A system dynamic model was utilized to construct the stock-flow graph of the game between government and enterprises, and to carry out simulation analysis under different strategies. The results found that the probability of an enterprise undertaking extended responsibility gradually increased and stabilized with the increase of government supervision and punishment intensity; the government’s regulatory probability and punishment are important factors affecting the enterprises’ compliance with regulations and responsibilities. The study suggests that government should focus on strengthening environmental regulations from the aspects of improving laws and regulations, establishing a regular monitoring system and innovating incentive and constraint mechanism.

Operational Perspectives on Extended Producer Responsibility

Abstract: We revisit three important assumptions about extended producer responsibility (EPR) that originate from academia, policy, or practice: (1) A central objective of EPR should be to induce product designs for the environment; (2) collective EPR implementations mute incentives to design for the environment; and (3) more stringent EPR policy parameters will generate better environmental outcomes. We discuss the potential shortcomings of these assumptions from an operations perspective and their implications for academic and policy research.

Factors influencing community participation in the management of household electronic waste in West Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract: The objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence community participation in the management of electronic waste. A survey of community willingness to participate in the management of electronic waste was conducted using questionnaires. Survey locations covered western areas of the city of Surabaya, Indonesia, where 238 respondents were selected proportionally from high-, medium-, and low-income groups during 2014. The group was divided by land and building taxes, which represents the socio-economic conditions of the community. Processing and statistical data analysis were performed with structural equation modeling. Results showed that one factor influencing the willingness of communities to manage e-waste was behavior, while factors influencing the willingness of communities to pay more included behavior, attitudes, and knowledge. Strategies to increase community participation can be applied through education and community assistance, the provision of recycling facilities, and applied regulations about e-waste management and extended producer responsibility.

Management of the end-of-life of light and heavy vehicles in the U.S.: comparison with the European union in a circular economy perspective

Abstract: In a context of transition towards a more circular economy (CE), this study undertakes an analysis of the appropriate transfers and applications of best managerial practices, regulations, and know-how from the automotive sector to the heavy vehicle one, as well as from the European Union (EU) to the United States of America (US), and vice versa While the EU appears to be a few steps ahead of policy activity regarding the management of end-of-life automotive vehicles (Directive 2000/53/EC and Extended Producer Responsibility principles), the US heavy vehicle industry presents several aspirational industrial practices, including the collaboration between end-of-life actors, supporting parts remanufacturing and facilitating reuse New empirical findings and lessons learned from both geographical regions are combined with the previous analyses to develop a benchmarking template of commendable CE practices Against this background, the findings open on the remaining challenges and circular economy opportunities for both regions, as well as for emerging and newly industrialized countries, whose automotive markets are growing fast

Towards a Circular Economy with Environmental Product Policy : Considering dynamics in closing and slowing material loops for lighting products

Abstract: A Circular Economy (CE) can help to achieve the sustainable development goal of responsible consumption and production. Product policies, in turn, can support CE objectives by promoting reuse of products, recycling of materials, and providing ecodesign incentives for more durable products. This thesis examined the role of product policies in meeting CE objectives in the EU, with specific focus on lighting products in the context of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Ecodesign Directives. The research findings contributed to current policy questions, including how well WEEE systems have performed in closing material loops; the potential for closing loops for critical materials; and what trade-offs can occur in promoting longer lifetimes for rapidly developing products.A theory-based evaluation was used to assess the performance of extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies for lighting products in the Nordic countries. While the WEEE systems were generally performing well, there were issues identified, including the downcycling and loss of many recycled materials and lack of ecodesign incentives. The research also found that the requirements of the WEEE Directive were a key enabler for closing loops for rare earth elements (REE) from lighting products, but that the recycling efforts in the EU face challenges with economic feasibility and complex transactions in the value chain. The lifetimes of LED lighting products were examined from a consumer perspective through a life cycle cost analysis and an environmental perspective with life cycle assessment. From a consumer perspective, lifetimes much longer than the mandatory Ecodesign minimums were found to be optimal for LED products on the Swedish market. From an environmental perspective, longer lifetimes for LED lighting products can result in trade-offs between energy/climate impacts and resource depletion/toxicity impacts. However, in the context of a less carbon-intensive electricity mix, these trade-offs are minimised. The same is true if the product’s energy efficiency improvements slow or mature.The research suggested that more specific product and material targets in the WEEE Directive could be appropriate. While the findings indicated that more stringent mandatory lifetime requirements in the Ecodesign Directive may not be appropriate for products with rapid technological developments, dynamic trade-offs should be explicitly recognised in policy mixes and accounted for in policy planning. (Less)

Environmental and economic benefits of the recovery of materials in a municipal solid waste management system

Abstract: The main aim of this study was to perform a Life cycle assessment study as well as an economic evaluation of the recovery of recyclable materials in a municipal solid waste management syste...

Electronic waste management and sustainable development goals: Is there a business case for linking the two?

Abstract: The purpose of this study is, first, to understand if the firms are displaying integrated approach toward electronic waste management and sustainability and, second, is there a business case for linking e-waste management with sustainable development goals (SDGs) pronounced by the United Nations.,This study conducts an extensive literature review to gather perspective from multiple disciplines and also carries out content analysis of annual reports/sustainability reports of the firms.,Bulk consumers have sustainability policies and/or strategies but many of these firms have not linked their e-waste management with their sustainability strategies practices. Also, based on the elaboration of different perspectives, this study provides an integrative framework that suggests focus of a particular perspective on a given SDG and commensurate business approach by the firms to find a synergy between the two.,This study provides a wider perspective on the subject of electronic waste management and its linkage with SDGs to create business case, thus opening up many theoretical avenues.,The policy like extended producers’ responsibility has a clear practical implication in terms of creating reputational capital for the firms by linking electronic waste management and SDGs.,The SDG, detailing clean water and sanitation by asking firms not to pollute water bodies by dumping the waste, has clear social implications.,This study is first of its kind to explore the linkage between electronic waste and SDGs to understand the business case. It also throws good insights on whether the firms use integrated approach toward electronic waste management and sustainability.

Is Voluntary Product Stewardship for E-Waste Working in New Zealand? A Whangarei Case Study

Abstract: New Zealand currently manages its annually-generated 99,000 tonnes of e-waste via voluntary product stewardship schemes. Limited data is available to determine the success of this approach. This lack of data is cited as the logic preventing the declaration of e-waste as a priority product by the Minister for the Environment which would trigger the enforcement of mandatory product stewardship. This case study involved an online survey of 264 Whangarei District householders asking questions about e-waste creation and management, as well as analyses of local services, and local and national policy. It found that only 1.8% of the estimated e-waste created in the district is recycled by municipal services, with the ‘cost to recycle’ and ‘a lack of knowledge’ presenting barriers to engagement in these services. The ‘lack of ability to repair/the cost to repair’ was found to be the most significant driver for e-waste creation. The adoption of mandatory product stewardship for e-waste was recommended to ensure robust and transparent data collection, see recycling services become more accessible, and raise awareness of these services, thus reducing the value-action gap. Mandatory e-waste management would also impact product design to ensure affordable repair-ability, further supporting a circular economy for electronic goods.

Shifting Towards Sustainable Tourism: Organizational and Financial Scenarios for Solid Waste Management in Tourism Destinations in Tunisia

Abstract: Tourism in Tunisia generates large amounts of solid waste, especially during the summer, and doubles the amount in most big tourism cities like Hammamet, which makes its management more complicated. Municipalities lack the financial means to ensure sustainable solid waste management (SWM) in tourist areas and need an intervention from all actors to reduce financial and technical pressures and implement sustainable solutions. This paper presents a descriptive research method that focuses on an analysis of the current SWM concept in tourism areas in Tunisia and proposes new sustainable organizational and financial models. These are based on the collaboration of different stakeholders at both national and local levels; and supported by extending the responsibility of the producer through the creation of a new system operator to take charge of the organization and financing of packaging disposal and recycling activities. In addition, the extension of the recovered material for recycling through extended producer responsibility (EPR) could support the system. The performance of current SWM shows that it has failed to ensure the cleanliness of tourism destinations is sustainable. Tunisia generates 2.8 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), between 20% to 30% of which are recyclable materials. The current system for packaging in Tunisia (ECO-Lef) only collected 3400 tons in 2018 compared to 15,800 tons in 2010, and the total recycling rate in the country does not exceed 5%, which makes the waste management system inefficient and unsustainable. Proposed solutions should be supported by legal and technical interventions, such as waste prevention, minimization, sorting at source, and the provision of education programs for citizens and tourism establishments.

Disposal is Not Free: Fiscal Instruments to Internalize the Environmental Costs of Solid Waste

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of global solid waste generation, its environmental costs, and fiscal instruments that can be used to encourage waste reduction and finance proper disposal. Countries—especially island nations--struggle to manage an ever-increasing volume of solid waste, generation of which is projected to exceed 2 billion tons a year by 2025. Although solid waste management is usually relegated to subnational governments, externalities from inadequate management, which include greenhouse gas emissions and ocean plastic pollution, reach global scale. National governments thus play a critical role in creating incentives for waste minimization and ensuring adequate resources for proper waste management. This paper evaluates potential fiscal instruments to achieve these goals, particularly in developing country policy environments.

End‐of‐life product management as a resilience driver for developing countries: A policy experiment for used tires in Ecuador

Abstract: Over the last decades, a number of new environmental policies have been designed to improve waste management. Among them, extended producer responsibility (EPR) has introduced a mechanism to shift the environmental and financial burden of end‐of‐life products from public management to producers. Recently, EPR has been adopted by a growing number of developing countries, but this policy often struggles in being effectively implemented in such contexts, missing the opportunity of using waste management as a sustainability driver. By discussing the EPR for end‐of‐life tires (ELTs) in Ecuador, this paper proposes a different approach in designing and implementing EPR schemes in developing countries: it recommends consideration of social sustainability, rather than merely copying foreign management frameworks. To address this point, two case studies on socially directed ELT applications were designed and carried out. The case studies aimed at improving resilience of vulnerable populations to natural disasters by increasing the resistance of housing and settlements against catastrophic events using civil engineering applications. The analysis of the case studies’ outcomes brings to light possible policy adjustments, in which social sustainability goals are taken into account within the national EPR scheme. The Ecuadorian case also highlights the benefit of employing an adaptive governance approach when dealing with challenging urban management topics, such as informality (a widespread phenomenon in developing countries) and resilience.

Policy approaches to incentivise sustainable plastic design

Abstract: Plastics are an important material in the economy but present a challenge for waste management, resource efficiency and the environment. Low rates of recycling and high rates of environmental leakage represent key sustainability challenges for plastics as well as product designers and producers. The chemical composition of plastics, including their additives, create physical and toxicological barriers to ‘closing the loop’ on the material, and creates risks such as low quality secondary materials or ecological exposure to hazardous chemicals. A range of policy instruments can be applied to improve the sustainability of plastics, including regulations, market-based instruments, information and voluntary tools. The report reviews the current use of instruments in each of these categories, provides a number of good practice examples, such as product taxes and charges, eco-design standards, extended producer responsibility and environmental product labels, as well as discussing opportunities for their future applications.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Impact of Online Sales

Abstract: Extended producer responsibility or product stewardship is a policy approach that aims to increase waste recovery and recycling. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems aim to make producers responsible for the environmental impacts of their products throughout the product chain, from design to the end-of-life phase. This report focuses on free-riding of producers or retailers, which the fast expansion of online sales in recent years has been exacerbating. Online sales are creating new free-riding opportunities as consumers are able to buy more easily from sellers in other countries. These sellers often have no physical, legal entity in the country where the consumer resides, and are not registered with national or local EPR schemes.

Designing an optimization carbon cost network in a reverse supply chain

Abstract: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken major steps to meet the targets of the Social Cost of Carbon (SC-CO2). In what follows, a research model using the market price for emission a...