Decision Support Model for Evaluating Alternative Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management Schemes—A Case Study

Dimitrios Aidonis,Charisios Achillas,Naoum Tsolakis,Christos Keramydas,Dimitrios Folinas

doi:10.3390/su11123364

Abstract

Waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a constantly increasing component of the total volume of municipal solid waste. E-waste streams are expected to continue escalating in the near future. The underlining paradox lies in the fact that end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment constitute a critical waste stream owing to the contained hazardous and toxic elements, but they also present an important source of valuable raw materials. Therefore, identification of alternative scenarios for integrated WEEE management is imperative. To that end, this research develops a methodological approach that focuses on determining the optimal WEEE management scheme, among available alternatives, applicable to the specific case of Greece. In particular, a binary linear programming model is formulated that maximizes the performance of 9 alternative WEEE management scenarios. The mathematical model considers 12 performance assessment criteria identified across financial, technical, social, and environmental dimensions. Priority levels are assigned to each criterion based on the input of 19 involved experts. A range of “what-if” analyses indicate that mechanical recycling of WEEE, in tandem with exporting of residues, is the most efficient e-waste management strategy in the case of Greece. The research findings indicate that the joint cooperation of all stakeholders, together with political will and effectiveness, is required for the integrated WEEE management at a national level.

Highlights

Manufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment has emerged as one of the fastest growing industrial sectors during the last decades [1,2], mainly because of the transition towards digitalization and the ‘appetite’ of consumers for technology-driven applications
The approach was based on the quantification of a number of mutually conflicting parameters and the hierarchical ranking of a number of different waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management scenarios based on the characteristics of the area under study with the use of a decision support model
WEEE management is a sufficiently studied issue in the extant scientific literature; existing works approach the issue from a plethora of methodological angles depending on the research objective and the nature of the study

Summary

Introduction

Manufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment has emerged as one of the fastest growing industrial sectors during the last decades [1,2], mainly because of the transition towards digitalization and the ‘appetite’ of consumers for technology-driven applications This trend has resulted in a rapid increase in the amount of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated internationally, raising environmental concerns relating to both the production and use phase of products [3,4,5,6]. In order to reduce the related waste management cost, in the European Union the Original Equipment Manufacturers established Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) which are nonprofit organizations with the responsibility to manage electrical and electronic equipment at the end of their useful life [16]

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion