Estimating the generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment in organizations: The case of a Brazilian federal agency

Abstract

The generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has become a globally serious problem. Its adequate management has great importance for governments and organizations alike. Despite the available literature on models for estimating WEEE generation, such analysis and forecasting are scarce in the context of big organizations. The objective of this research is to estimate WEEE generation in organizations using the Market Supply model applied to a Brazilian federal agency. The agency's Asset Control System was the data source. These records allow organizations to effectively manage their WEEE, influencing the quality of generation estimate. A statistical analysis was carried to calculate the lifespan of the equipment in the system, observing a reduction in the lifespan of the most modern items. The model allows for estimating WEEE generation for the coming years in organizations, whilst providing lifespan profiles, meaning the probabilistic obsolescence rate of appliances. The results obtained, including the statistical analyses and the used methodology represent a valuable resource to organizations as a means to inform their decision-making process regarding the management of WEEE. • This research estimates WEEE generation in a public organization. • Organizations must have reliable asset controls to estimate WEEE generation. • Over the years, there has been a reduction in the EEE lifespan. • Other organizations can use the proposed method. • Data for EEE lifespan profiles is an important contribution of this research.