Extended producer responsibility

About: Extended producer responsibility is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1120 publications have been published within this topic receiving 26805 citations. The topic is also known as: EPR.

Reverse Logistics in Malaysia: The Contingent Role of Institutional Pressure to the E&E Manufacturing Industry

Abstract: Reverse logistics is a primary component of green supply chain management initiatives and is often analysed from a broad perspective. Rooted in the resource-based view of the firm, this empirical study decomposes reverse logistics into five commonly adopted disposition options (repair, recondition, remanufacture, recycle, and disposal) to examine the effects of using each option on measures of environmental performance, profitability, and sales growth. Considering institutional theory, this study also investigates the moderating role of both regulatory and ownership pressure on the relationship between each reverse logistics disposition option and levels of performance. Using survey data collected from managers at 89 ISO14001 certified electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing firms, regression models test a series of hypothesized relationships. Results suggest that under the presence of institutional pressure, use of disposition options results in increased levels of performance in some cases. The recovery of valuable components during product recondition and remanufacture activities contributes to enhanced environmental and economic benefits. Conversely, product recycling and disposal activities are not necessarily performance-inducing initiatives in the face of regulatory pressures The findings of this study can be used to inform business decisions regarding the adoption and use of reverse logistics strategies. Legislative frameworks regarding extended producer responsibility are recommended in order to motivate the implementation of reverse logistics product disposition activities.

Environmental Risks Related to the Recovery and Recycling Processes of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Abstract: The idea of sustainable development imposes waste management tasks that can be solved only using a systemic approach. It requires that municipal waste management is carried out in a technically correct manner, is economically efficient, socially acceptable, with no negative effect to the natural environment and takes into account economy of all waste streams, including electrical and electronic waste (E-waste). A relentless pursuit of comfort, quality of life as well as rapid technological changes result in products of a shorter life cycle, which quickly become just electro scraps. There are many of them with a different composition. E-waste may include e.g. toxic metals, which if released to the environment may pose a threat to human life and health. At the same time, recovery of valuable secondary raw materials complies perfectly with implementation of the principles of sustainable development. In recent decades, the risk assessment for the natural environment and decision-making strategies have become a target of intense and complex research undertaken also in the waste management area. The main objective of risk assessment is providing a rational basis to make unbiased decisions about the system. The article attempts to identify and assess risks of an environmental impact resulting from negligence or operational disturbances in a system of recovery and recycling of electrical and electronic waste.

A Baumol–Oates approach to solid waste taxation

Abstract: A national Baumol–Oates tax on waste in Denmark helped achieve a reduction of 26% in net solid waste from 1987 to 1998. The tax, which is levied per ton of waste, was particularly effective as regards the heavier waste streams such as construction waste and garden waste. When it comes to industrial and commercial waste, there are indications that the waste tax is not sufficiently significant to induce changes in behavior, and that except for very waste-intensive enterprises, companies do not seem to be very price sensitive. For household waste, the impact of the tax can be improved where tariffs for garbage collection are weight based, rather than per unit. However, the waste sector is an area in which the price signals are modified and filtered by institutionalized practices in municipal administration, and in which true-cost pricing is not easy to achieve. Hence, the rational choice assumption of environmental economics needs to be supplemented by an institutional dimension to interpret responses to environmental taxes correctly.

Current Practice and Future Sustainability

Abstract: This chapter covers the common waste management procedures currently practiced worldwide and discusses their impacts on future sustainability and conservation of natural resources. The life cycle of waste in these procedures is analyzed to demonstrate that it follows a “cradle-to-grave” approach. Subsequently, the “cradle-to-cradle” concepts are discussed in detail with a listing of their pros and cons. The role of the government and civil society in effecting these “cradle-to-cradle” concepts is explained for the conservation of natural resources by using the principle of extended producer responsibilities. Sustainable development promotes economic growth given that this growth does not compromise the management of the environmental resources. The traditional approach for clinical waste, agricultural waste, industrial and municipal solid waste, industrial and municipal liquid waste, etc. can be considered disastrous worldwide because it is depleting the natural resources and may pollute the environment if it is not treated/disposed of properly. Any solution should suit not only the developed countries but also the developing countries, including the economical benefits, technological availability, environmental and social perspectives; otherwise they will never be sustainable. This chapter introduces a new term in environmental engineering—that is, “sustainable treatment,” as well as a new hierarchy for waste management, which applies “cradle-to-cradle” concepts.

Extended Producer Responsibility for Pharmaceuticals

Abstract: Problem definition: We investigate the effectiveness of different extended producer responsibility (EPR) implementation models for pharmaceuticals. In particular, we study two viable and prevalent ...