E-Waste and End-of-Life Vehicles Management and Circular Economy Initiatives in Romania

Oana-Cristina Modoi,Florin-Constantin Mihai

doi:10.3390/en15031120

Oana-Cristina Modoi, Florin-Constantin Mihai

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en15031120

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Abstract

E-waste and end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are fast-growing waste streams in the EU and beyond that require specific collection and treatment activities to avoid environmental pollution and resource depletion fed by the linear economy model. This paper aims to investigate the links between e-waste and ELVs streams and the circular economy approach of the EU. Romania is examined as a relevant case study for the central and eastern European Region regarding: (i) the current e-waste and ELVs management deficiencies and challenges in line with circular economy principles promoted by EU; (ii) analysis of E-waste and ELVs flows data; and (iii) best circular economy initiatives related to e-waste and ELVs in Romania, including the opportunity to create new jobs in treatment activities that the simple operations from the first stages of e-waste recycling can produce locally and regionally in Romania. This work points out the current knowledge gaps and future research directions for these special waste streams in Romania and beyond.

Highlights

Technological development changed the consumption patterns around the globe with increasing demands for electronic devices and vehicles for daily domestic, studies, health-care, or other job-related requirements besides urban expansion and population growth
This paper aims to reveal current e-waste and end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) management challenges in line with circular economy principles promoted by the EU in a country like Romania
This review examines two key waste streams (e-waste and ELVs) for urban mining prospects in Romania under the circular economy framework supported by the EU

Summary

Introduction

Technological development changed the consumption patterns around the globe with increasing demands for electronic devices and vehicles for daily domestic, studies, health-care, or other job-related requirements besides urban expansion and population growth. The economic growth fed by unsustainable consumption patterns based on the linear economy model “make-take-use-dispose” poses serious societal and environmental concerns. The development of urban mining practices based on these two key waste streams is a step forward for countries to achieve a circular economy transition. E-waste and electronic goods are reliable sources for various materials at the EU level that must be further expanded through enhanced urban mining operations [7]. Secondhand electrical and electronic goods and second-hand vehicles are imported by low and middle-income countries with repercussions to the environment such as air and land pollution [9,10]. The improper collection of e-waste and their landfill together with the household waste or their recycling with primitive techniques by unauthorized persons generates pollution and human health issues [11]

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