Management of Electro-Electronic Equipment Waste and its Relationship With Social Vulnerability in the City of Recife-Pe: A Study from the Perspective of Spatial Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the influence of social vulnerability on the management of waste from electrical and electronic equipment considering the distribution of collection points in the city of Recife-PE. Theoretical framework: Not all citizens have access to the WEEE collection service or understand the need for proper disposal. Furthermore, the lack of infrastructure, environmental education and public policies aimed at managing WEEE can make it difficult to implement an efficient and sustainable system for collecting these materials. Method: A spatial analysis was carried out based on the socioeconomic and environmental indicators of the census sectors in the area under study, as well as the location of existing collection points. Results and conclusions: The spatial analysis showed that WEEE collection points are poorly distributed in the city, with the majority in areas of lower social vulnerability. This may affect the effectiveness of WEEE management. Therefore, it is necessary to expand and decentralize collection points, in addition to promoting environmental education and social inclusion to encourage citizen participation in WEEE management in Recife-PE. Research implications: The study is of great relevance, as it indicates how social vulnerability interferes with the management of WEEE. Originality/value: Research reveals that it is possible to use spatial analysis to identify trends in WEEE management. This tool can guide actions by public managers, companies, civil organizations and consumers, encouraging the correct disposal of WEEE in specific collection locations in the city of Recife-PE.