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.

Analysis on the Optimal Recycling Path of Chinese Lead-Acid Battery under the Extended Producer Responsibility System

Abstract: The pollution control problem of discarded lead-acid batteries has become increasingly prominent in China. An extended producer responsibility system must be implemented to solve the problem of recycling and utilization of waste lead batteries. Suppose the producer assumes responsibility for the entire life cycle of lead batteries. In that case, it will effectively reduce environmental pollution caused by non-compliant disposal of waste lead batteries, reduce environmental pollution, and achieve the sustainable development of lead resources. Based on the operating mechanism of the extended responsibility system for lead-acid battery producers in China, this article considers three recycling channel structures: recycling only by manufacturers (mode M), recycling by the union (mode R), and third-party recycling (mode C). This article comprehensively compares the differences between the three recycling channels. The research results show that: (1) under the EPR system, the choice of production companies is affected by the recovery rate and profit rate. (2) By comparing different recycling channel models, we found that the recovery rate of independent recycling by the manufacturer is the largest. Still, the profit rate of the manufacturer that entrusts the alliance (M) to recycle is the highest. The manufacturer can entrust to alliance or independent recycling of waste lead batteries according to the different profit rates and recovery rates. (3) From the perspective of the supply chain, independent recycling (M) by production companies or recycling (R) by the commissioned union may be the best. The choice of recycling channels for producers depends on independent recycling and commissioning alliance’ recycling costs and reuse costs.

E-waste in the Brazilian context

Abstract: Nowadays the electrical and electronics products have high importance to our life, and the short life cycle of these products caused by constant changes in the consumers' preferences and fast technological changes increased the e-waste production. Brazil is considered the second biggest producer of e-waste among emerging countries and by 2030 will produce approximately 2, 2 million tons to be disposed. The law on National Policy on Solid Waste-PNRS cited on provide information to current scenarios and create alterantive to improve the waste management, including the e-waste. In this context this paper presents an overview on the management e-waste in the Brazilian context .The methodology used was based in the exploratory review. The currently scenario on e-waste presents some initiatives referring to legislation, social and digital inclusion programs and recycling companies, with their main benefits and barriers.

The research progress on greenhouse gas inventory methods

Abstract: Greenhouse gas inventory provides emission and absorption data and plays a fundamental role in the establishment and evaluation of the policies and measures in response to climate change.Although United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has implemented a national Greenhouse Gas inventory method based on producer responsibility,many studies suggest that the method has the problem of"carbon leakage",namely,letting the developed countries evade the responsibility of reducing carbon emissions,in addition to other issues,and put forward other inventory methods.This paper classifies the current greenhouse gas inventory estimate methods into three categories,including producer responsibility method,consumer responsibility method and shared responsibility method,and furthermore summarizes multiple methods in the three categories.The principle,advantages and limits of the methods are analyzed by graphs,charts and data.Based on the current analysis,producer responsibility method will still be the recommended national greenhouse gas inventory method in the near future.Lastly,we propose to strengthen the studies of consumer responsibility method and shared responsibility method in China,establish and improve statistical data,and try to develop provincial level greenhouse gas inventory by consumer responsibility method as a supplement.

Confronting Product Obsolescence

Abstract: Firms frequently employ various strategies that make products obsolete after a relatively short time or limited usage (“product obsolescence”). Early product obsolescence harms consumers, undermines market efficiency, and increases the waste the throw-away economy generates. While instances of suspected planned obsolescence have recently led to public outcry, the law and policy framework that addresses product obsolescence is partial and underdeveloped. This Article offers a principled and holistic approach to the regulation of product obsolescence. Part I presents the different forms of product obsolescence. The typology we offer in this Part highlights some types of obsolescence that escaped legal scrutiny. Thereafter, Part II reviews the harms that product obsolescence causes to consumers, competitors, the environment, and society. In doing so, we demonstrate how product obsolescence is at odds with two key EU commitments: a high level of consumer protection, and a proclaimed shift towards more ambitious environmental objectives. Next, Part III critically assesses the existing legal framework and its (in)ability to tackle effectively the problem of product obsolescence. Finally, Part IV offers policy recommendations, aimed at better utilizing existing and novel regulatory tools to cope with product obsolescence. Concluding remarks follow.

Establishment of global recycle network

Abstract: In 1997, Fujitsu established the Fujitsu Recycle System (FRS) in Japan as the first nationwide recycling system in the industry and since then has taken the initiative in take-back and recycling of end-of-use IT (Information Technology) products. By utilizing the know-how gained through these activities, Fujitsu has diligently started to take-back and recycle the end-of-use IT products it has marketed overseas so the entire Group can exercise extended producer responsibility with a global perspective. In Europe, Fujitsu began considering the establishment of a recycle system to comply with the European Union (EU) recycle directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), which became effective in February 2003. Each EU member country has been transposing the WEEE directive into their national laws. Fujitsu and Fujitsu Group companies In Europe have started to work on the establishment of a European recycle system through mutual collaboration. Because of the strong demands to recycle end-of-use IT products in North America and Asia, Fujitsu is also studying the establishment of recycle systems in these areas. In the future, regional recycle systems should not only function independently but also be closely coordinated and developed into a Global Recycle Network (GRN) to share recycling know-how and information and circulate resources and products using recycle logistics based on international rules. This paper describes the establishment of the recycle systems and the concept for establishing a GRN.