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.

Design for End-of-Life: Repair, Recondition, Remanufacture or Recycle?

Abstract: Between 1980 and 1997, municipal waste in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries increased by around 40%. The European Union has responded by introducing legislation on extended producer responsibility (EPR). This paper further explains the context of this new legislation and describes, compares and then contrasts the four alternative strategies to reducing end-of-life waste: namely repairing, reconditioning, remanufacturing or recycling. It also introduces a more robust definition of remanufacturing, validated by earlier research, which differentiates it from repair and reconditioning. From a consideration of the different factors involved, it concludes that remanufacturing may often be a strong strategy. This is based on the fact that it preserves both the embodied energy of virgin production (thus reducing the environmental impact) and the intrinsic “value adding” process of the producer (thus increasing the manufacturer’s profitability). As a result, this new environmental policy is likely to lead to significant increases in remanufacturing as an end-of-life strategy in the European Union. However, effective end-of life strategies are dictated by product characteristics and therefore vary from product to product (Rose et al, 1998). Thus further research is required to compare and contrast the effectiveness of remanufacturing and alternative end-of-life strategy for particular product types.© 2004 ASME

The influence of the waste hierarchy in shaping European waste management : the case of plastic waste

Abstract: Waste management in Europe has experienced significant changes since the 1970s. The majority of Member State waste management regimes have shifted from policies based on the control of waste dispos ...

Extended Producer Responsibility for the Management of Waste from Mobile Phones

Abstract: This thesis explores the functionality of Extend Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the management of Electrical and Electronic waste (e-waste) in Kenya using a case study on manufacturer involvement in end-of-life management. To achieve the purpose of the study the analytical framework used incorporates Environmental effectiveness, Economic efficiency, Political acceptability, Administrabilty and Innovative advancement in discussing the EPR policy instrument used by the manufacturer. On the practical front the data on the take-back scheme was discussed under the following factors that affect the efficiency and effectiveness of a take-back scheme: economic incentives, disincentives, convenience, inconvenience and information. On the other hand the thesis provides preliminary insights into the overall ewaste management scenario in Kenya. Literature and practical knowledge were used to explore and establish a picture of the dynamics of EPR in e-waste management under the ICT sector with special focus on mobile telephony and the actors in the sector. Suggested policy directions are based on the gaps identified through an analysis of the materials and information collected while in the field. The research confirms that there is need to develop waste management policies and regulations in Kenya structured and guided by EPR principles. The thesis emphasizes that EPR is a necessity in the management of e-waste in Kenya and the developing countries at large. Further it notes that there is need for knowledge transfer and exchange from the developed countries to the developing countries grappling with e-waste management in formulation of appropriate institutional and legislative frameworks customized to the ground realities.

A Theory of Production with Waste and Recycling

Abstract: The management of solid waste has become an urgent problem. Product responsibility means that a product will accompany its producer from cradle to grave; prevention, recycling and disposal of waste are part of a theory of the firm which we develop under solid residual management. We assume that the government stimulates firms to enhance recycling of resources by a fee on waste. A comparative statics analysis shows the impact of a fee on waste reduction, on the structure of the production process, on recycling, on input demand, material saving effort, number of firms, and on the amount of waste disposal.