E-waste Management System Research Articles

E-Waste Management Practices Through the Eyes of Responsible Departments at Malaysian Public Universities

Electronic and electrical waste (E-waste) has been identified as the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In Malaysia, forecasts indicate that it will soon reach 24.5 million units of e-waste by the year 2025. Today, higher learning institutions also contribute to the rapidly growing threat of e-waste. Besides mobile phones, the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment at universities keeps increasing and contributes to the increased quantity of e-waste, while the handling and disposal methods of e-waste still need to be improved. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current e-waste management system as well as to investigate the critical challenges constraining e-waste management at public universities in Malaysia. By using a qualitative approach, a number of interview sessions have been conducted with the responsible departments at six established public universities in Malaysia. It has been found that currently only e-waste generated from used electric and electronic equipment (EEE) which have been declared as university assets are being managed by the responsible departments at the six universities. All six universities are using the standard process of handling their e-waste since every single process needs to comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Finance (MOF). This remains the main constraint to flexibility or improvement of the current system. The universities are also facing some challenges, among others, lack of awareness and knowledge on how to properly handle e-waste among university citizens, no clear sustainable policy at the university, lack of facilities within the university compound to support the proper practice of e-waste disposal as well as lack of education and related training provided to the campus citizens. This paper also provides some recommendations for the improvement of e-waste management towards sustainability and offers an agenda for future research.

E-Waste Management in Nam Theun 2 Power Company Limited: A Review of Issues, Challenges and Solutions

This paper reviews the e-waste management practices of Nam Theun 2 Power Company (NTPC), one of the leading power generation companies in Laos. The study focuses on the company's use of Total Environmental Solutions – Asset Material Management (TES-AMM), a leading e-waste recycling company, to manage their e-waste. In this paper, a mixed-methods research design has been applied, including a survey of employees and interviews with key stakeholders at NTPC, as well as document analysis to assess the company's compliance with the relevant regulations and standards. The results of the study indicate that NTPC has an effective e-waste management system in place that is compliant with the relevant regulations and standards, but it also highlights opportunities for improvement. The study also provides an overview of TES-AMM's e-waste recycling process, which is found to be in line with international standards. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the specific challenges and opportunities for improving e-waste management in the power generation industry part in Laos.

E-waste Management Using Blockchain Technology

Introduction; Bridging the digital divide requires the provision of affordable, fair and quality ICT. With nearly two-thirds of the world’s population still offline, there is a need to provide affordable web access for everyone. For developing countries, increasing the popularity of information and communication technology has become the most important factor in reducing poverty. The danger of electrical and electronic waste disposal contains hazardous substances, but most of the electrical and electronic equipment is still disposed of in an unhealthy environment in the field development area, affecting the level of contamination in Water, Air and Soil ultimately affecting people’s health. Eliminating E-waste responsibility and protecting the environment is a challenge for countries. Smart cities can solve environmental problems through proper waste management for improving human health, protecting water resources, and reducing pollution. Objective; In this paper, we explore how blockchain technology can help smart cities to manage E-waste by providing consistency, immutability, transparency, and accountability control in a distributed, reliable, and secure manner. We discussed the advantages of blockchain technology in various aspects of E-waste management, such as instant tracking and monitoring, E-waste disposal and E-waste management regulation compliance, proper disposal management, E-waste management, and material handling, etc. All examples of disposal services, but in our study we have found that there is no fool proof system to check the disposal of E-waste whether it has been disposed off Fully or Partially. We mainly focused on the tracking of E-waste management system for 100% safe and eco-friendly disposal from the originating point of E-waste to end disposal point of total disposal. Methods; For this, we have used machine-learning model to find the existing percentage of disposal of E-waste at the end-point which reveals that it is never 100%. And partial disposal of E-waste means we have still partial E-waste around us in different forms, which will be a threat for the society to be indulged in hazardous after effects of randomly dumping E-waste.Results; After this we have modelled a Disposal Tracking System(DTS) using blockchain technology to create an E-waste data storage as Decentralized Shareable Ledger (DSL) which records the quantity and state of E-waste data from its originating point to a different level of disposal unit and finally reflect the balance of E-waste data as NIL at the end of last disposal point.Conclusion; This system will helpful for safe and ecofriendly E-waste management and it provides complete transparency and traceability of E-waste during the life cycle of complete disposal. After implementation of this system any district or Block or Village authority can ensure to its citizens for E-waste hazards free environment and safety of natural resources

WEEE Behaviour from Households: A qualitative approach

E-waste disposal practices associated with the problem of environmental sustainability have emerged as one of the discussion's most intriguing subtopics. Adopting efficient e-waste management systems is essential to successfully reusing, recycling, and value recovery activities. Only 20% (8.9 Mt) of the e-waste produced in 2016 was collected correctly and recycled. It highlights the shortcomings of e-waste management systems, which are crucial for home electronic disposals, especially in Malaysia. It is critical to consider how vital waste management systems are to enhancing the environment's performance and the nation's economy. Collaboration is critical to the overall performance of e-waste management among all parties involved in the logistics chain, including customers (households) and governmental and commercial entities. Using a qualitative approach to understanding the different narratives among stakeholders juxtaposing the crucial element to sustain WEEE from landfills.

Exploring barriers in the transition toward an established e-waste management system in Brazil: a multiple-case study of the formal sector

AbstractBrazil is the largest generator of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) in Latin America but faces significant challenges with its management. This study investigates barriers to the growth of the formal sector in transitioning toward an established e-waste management system in the country. Driven by sustainability transitions research, it applies a transition management approach to e-waste management. The study presents the results of field studies conducted in four organizations with different levels of recycling operations. The results show several barriers, for instance, a lack of processes for the complete separation of metals, high reverse logistics cost, a lack of transparency throughout the supply chains, concern with data security, and a lack of financial incentives and policy integration. The study highlights various initiatives from the organizations that assist in tackling some of the identified barriers and shed light on possible transition pathways. The study provides a perspective from e-waste management organizations and policy insights to strengthen e-waste management in the country.

Leveraging Life Cycle Assessment and System Dynamics Model Analysis for an Integrated Household E-Waste Management System in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Electronic waste (E-waste) is a global environmental issue and a contemporary challenge in developing countries, where implementing sustainable E-waste management policies is required to mitigate the adverse impacts of inappropriate treatment and disposal. This study assesses the environmental and human health impacts of the current E-waste management system in Yaoundé. The study then proposes an integrated E-waste management system (IEMS) with policy instruments for increased formal E-waste collection and reduced environmental impacts from informal E-waste treatment. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was utilized to identify high-impact contributing processes within the current E-waste management system (EMS) and to determine the optimum scenario for an integrated system. The system dynamics model (SDM) analysis ascertained the efficiency of the E-waste policy under the IEMS. Results show that the IEMS can reduce global warming potential, fine particulate matter formation, and human carcinogenic toxicity from one ton of E-waste treatment by 27%, 16.3%, and 34%, respectively. Regarding the policy efficiency simulation for the IEMS, the policy instrument (Policy 1), with levies on electronic appliance producers, proved environmentally efficient in reducing the quantity of informal recycling. It was also more economically viable for the recycling fund to increase formal E-waste collection and subsidize formal treatment within the context of the IEMS. The study outcome is informative for E-waste management policy planning in developing economies.

Sustainable resilient E-waste management in London: A circular economy perspective

The circular economy (CE) is reasoned to organize complex systems supporting sustainable resilience by distinguishing between waste materials and economic growth. This is crucial to the electronic waste (e-waste) industry of developed countries, and e-waste operation management has become their top priority because e-waste contains toxic materials and valuable sources of elements. In the UK, although London Metropolitan city boasts an ambitious sustainable resilience target underlying the context of CE, practical implementation has yet to be feasible, with few investigations detailing if and how the existing target implications enable industrial and social-ecological sectors to continue their performance functionalities in the face of undesired disruptions. In this paper, a dynamic Bayesian Network (dynamic BN) approach is developed to address a range of potential risks. The existing London e-waste operation management is considered as an application of study for sustainable resilience development. Through the utilization of dynamic BN, a comprehensive analysis yields a Resilience Index (RI) of 0.5424, coupled with a StdDev of 0.01350. These metrics offer a profound insight into the intricate workings of a sustainable system and its capacity to swiftly rebound from unexpected shocks and disturbances. This newfound understanding equips policymakers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of sustainable e-waste management effectively. The implications drawn from these in-depth analyses furnish policymakers with invaluable information, enabling them to make judicious decisions that advance the cause of sustainable e-waste management. The findings underscore that the absorptive capacity of a sustainable and resilient e-waste operation management system stands as the foremost defense mechanism against unforeseen challenges. Furthermore, it becomes evident that two pivotal factors, namely “diversifying the supply chain” and “enhancing supply chain transparency,” play pivotal roles in augmenting the sustainability and resilience of e-waste operation management within the context of London's ambitious sustainability targets. These factors are instrumental in steering the trajectory of e-waste management towards a more sustainable and resilient future, aligning with London's aspirations for a greener and more eco-conscious future.

E-waste prediction and optimal route selection using adaptive deep Markov random field and block chain

PurposeAn efficient e-waste management system is developed, aided by deep learning techniques. Here, a smart bin system using Internet of things (IoT) sensors is generated. The sensors detect the level of waste in the dustbin. The data collected by the IoT sensor is stored in the blockchain. Here, an adaptive deep Markov random field (ADMRF) method is implemented to determine the weight of the wastes. The performance of the ADMRF is boosted by optimizing its parameters with the help of the improved corona virus herd immunity optimization algorithm (ICVHIOA). Here, the main objective of the developed ADMRF-based waste weight prediction is to minimize the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) rate at the time of testing. If the weight of the bins is more than 80%, then an alert message will be sent to the waste collector directly. Optimal route selection is carried out using the developed ICVHIOA for efficient collection of wastes from the smart bin. Here, the main objectives of the optimal route selection are to reduce the distance and time to minimize the operational cost and the environmental impacts. The collected waste is then considered for recycling. The performance of the implemented IoT and blockchain-based smart dustbin is evaluated by comparing it with other existing smart dustbins for e-waste management.Design/methodology/approachThe developed e-waste management system is used to collect the waste and to avoid certain diseases caused by the dumped waste. Disposal and recycling of the e-waste is necessary to decrease pollution and to manufacture new products from the waste.FindingsThe RMSE of the implemented framework was 33.65% better than convolutional neural network (CNN), 27.12% increased than recurrent neural network (RNN), 22.27% advanced than Resnet and 9.99% superior to long short-term memory (LSTM).Originality/valueThe proposed E-waste management system has given an enhanced performance rate in weight prediction and also in optimal route selection when compared with other conventional methods.

Application of Computational Law and Artificial Intelligence Methods for Sharia Compliance Analysis of E-Waste Management Systems Based on Blockchain

This paper aims to 1) develop a methodology using computational law and blockchain technology to ensure Sharia compliance in e-waste management systems; 2) propose a conceptual model for a Sharia blockchain platform enabling compliance monitoring and verification; and 3) formulate recommendations to facilitate real-world implementation. The study employs a conceptual approach using inductive analysis of Sharia principles, deductive reasoning, and systems modeling to formulate design requirements and components for a blockchain platform that can enable transparent, tamper-proof monitoring and control of e-waste handling in accordance with Islamic law. Firstly, analysis reveals five key criteria for Sharia compliance in e-waste management and how blockchain, smart contracts, and AI can address these. A comprehensive compliance assurance methodology leveraging these technologies is proposed. Secondly, a conceptual model is delineated for a multipurpose Sharia blockchain platform encompassing consensus, cryptography, smart contract rule engines, and AI analytics. Thirdly, recommendations are synthesized covering technological, regulatory, economic, infrastructure, and social factors needed to enable real-world implementation. This pioneering research bridges Sharia law, sustainability, and emerging technologies to offer culturally attuned e-waste management solutions. The methodology, conceptual models, and practical framework devised inform development of next-generation systems for values-aligned compliance assurance, with potential impact extending beyond the realm of e-waste contexts.

E-WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN UKRAINE: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND SWOT-ANALYSIS

Background: Waste management has been the subject of interest for both Ukrainian and foreign scientists. While Ukrainian researchers have studied waste management and focused on the viability of waste incineration for economic and environmental protection, foreign scientists have directed their attention towards examining the environmental impact of electronic devices. By analysing complex issues related to social-ecological systems, these foreign scientists have studied e-waste management (EWM) approaches to guarantee environmental sustainability and raise public knowledge of EWM. This comparative scrutiny has revealed a research gap, prompting the need to investigate the current state of the e-waste management system (EWMS) in Ukraine to determine the directions for improving EWM. Methods: To meet the objectives outlined in this paper, various scientific and specialised methods were employed. The structural-functional method was used to consider stakeholders' interests and level of influence in the EWMS by dividing them into four groups. A SWOT analysis was performed to determine the EWMS's opportunities, threats, weaknesses, and strengths. The comparison method was used when Ukraine's regulatory framework in the EWMS was approximated and compared with EU legal actions. Results and Conclusions: The study examined stakeholders' interests and level of influence over EWMS, categorising them into four categories: KEEP INFORMED (mass media), MANAGE CLOSELY (the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers, various ministries, and state organisations in Ukraine), KEEP SATISFIED (the President of Ukraine and Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine), and KEEP INFORMED + TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION (international organisations, non-governmental and public organisations, activists, and environmental organisations). A SWOT analysis revealed the EWM system's advantages, disadvantages, opportunities, and threats. Taking these factors into account will advance the deployment of EWMS in Ukraine and provide insight into the issues impeding its advancement.

INVESTIGATING THE PREDICTORS OF INTENTION TO PARTICIPATE IN e-WASTE RECYCLING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CASE OF UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU

E-waste is an existential problem for the environment and its inhabitants. This study intends to examine the relationship between Environmental Concern (EC), Perceived Behaviour Control (PBC), and Attitude (ATT) toward the intention to practice e-waste recycling (ERI) among students in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Data was collected from 446 students by using a non-probability sampling technique. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM 4.0) was used for the analysis of the structural model. The analysis of data from 446 questionnaires revealed that EC, PBC, and ATT significantly influence students’ ERI, with ATT having the strongest influence. This research may aid policymakers in gaining a greater comprehension of students’ intention to participate in e-waste recycling. This is very helpful in paving the way for a successful e-waste recycling and management system not only at UMT but also in other states in Malaysia and other countries with similar e-waste issues.

Influence of Canadian provincial stewardship model attributes on the cost effectiveness of e-waste management

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of e-waste collection and management trends across six Canadian provinces, focusing on e-waste collection rates, provincial stewardship model attributes, program strategies and budget allocations from 2013 to 2020. Temporal and regression analyses were conducted using data from Electronic Product Recycling Association reports. A group characterization based on geographical proximity is proposed, aiming to explore the potential outcomes of fostering collaboration among neighboring provinces. The analysis emphasizes the significant impact of stewardship model attributes on e-waste collection rates, with Quebec emerging as a standout case, showcasing a remarkable 61.5% surge in collection rates. Findings from group analysis reveal a positive correlation between per capita e-waste collection rate and the growth of businesses and collection sites in Western Canada (Group A - British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). This highlights the potential benefits of a coordinated waste management approach, emphasizing the importance of shared resources and collaborative policies. Saskatchewan and Manitoba allocated only 6.6% and 7.0% of their respective budgets to e-waste transfer and storage. British Columbia's observed steady decrease of e-waste collection rate. In Group A, stewards handled 2.18–13.95 tonnes of e-waste during the study period. The cost per tonne of e-waste tended to be lower when more e-waste is managed per steward, suggesting the potential benefits of an integrated e-waste collection and management system.

Opportunities and challenges for circular economy in the Maldives: A stakeholder analysis of informal E-waste management in the Greater Malé Region

In the Maldives, the contribution of the informal sector to e-waste management is significant as a formal e-waste management system is not yet established. The opportunities for advancing the circular economy in the Maldives’ e-waste sector rely on the possibility of its formalization. This study aimed to examine the current and anticipated situations of e-waste management in the Greater Malé Region of the Maldives, with a specific focus on formalizing the informal sector. Interviews and questionnaire-based surveys were conducted followed by statistical analysis of the data. The t-test performed for the consumer survey data (n = 202) suggests that formalization encourages consumers to engage with the informal sector, resulting in increased resource recovery. Thematic analysis of interviews conducted with both formal and informal sector stakeholders (n = 17) revealed that the informal sector plays a substantial role in managing e-waste. It also underscored the need for government assistance to enhance safety and productivity in this sector. Various opportunities and challenges for establishing a circular economy in the country were identified, such as the rise in e-waste generation, the presence of an active informal workforce, the lack of sufficient government support, and prevailing stereotypes among consumers regarding informal workers. These findings provide a fresh perspective on the solutions for waste management in the Maldives and open the door to further explore the significance of the informal sector and feasible formalization initiatives. This study could contribute to the literature on the role of the informal sector in waste management in the Maldives and other small island developing states.

Strategies for Transitioning to Sustainable E-Waste Management Systems Globally, Regionally and Nationally

The quantity of electronic waste generated globally is rising rapidly as a result of advanced technology, over reliance, and the use of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) beyond comprehension. The rapid technological advancements has resulted in a reduced lifespan of EEE resulting in enormous amounts of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). It is well recognized that EEE contains complex metallic and non-metallic components that, if improperly managed, can seriously disrupt the environment and endanger the survival of life. The majority of industrialized nations possess advanced methods for managing e-waste, well-defined system boundaries, technological expertise, strict legislation, appropriate recycling facilities, and trade with emerging and impoverished countries. However, because of a number of issues and a dearth of pertinent policies, the situation in emerging nations is different. WEEE are handled in developing nations by using a variety of low-end methods, including product reuse, traditional landfill disposal, open burning, and rudimentary "backyard" recycling. The bulk of developing and less developed countries lack the necessary legislation, gaps in policy formulation, socioeconomic and cultural hurdles, technology, and treatment facilities. The main issues affecting Guyana's management include absence of legislation, safe options for treatment and disposal, and inadequate inventory of data. The strategic interventions that are essential for sustainable e-waste management include urban mining, embracing the concept of a circular economy, fortifying existing laws and regulations, investing in adequate facilities for handling all waste streams and coordination and cooperation among all of the key stakeholders.

Transforming the E-waste Management System

The aim of this research is to inform the transformation of the e-waste management in Dunedin by shifting the focus from recycling to activities higher in the waste hierarchy (for example, redesigning, reducing and refurbishing). Previous research has identified the importance and potential solutions of creating a circular economy for e-waste, but few have addressed the context of Dunedin's social and environmental economy. To gain insight into how Dunedin’s climate influences the e-waste management system, semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in the production, processing and diversion of e-waste.
 The interviews focused on understanding current e-waste management practices, identified barriers and explored opportunities for collaboration with other stakeholders. This research hopes to generate recommendations to improve e-waste management in Dunedin that may be adopted in other areas to support sustainable consumption and production patterns. 
 Supervised by: Craig Cliff, Ray O’Brien
 Scholarship Project Funded by: Dunedin City Council

Managing Electronic Waste: A Comprehensive Review of Current State and Challenges

This research study examines e-waste management methods and suggests sustainable solutions. Growing e-waste and its hazardous components demand robust management solutions to reduce environmental and health dangers. This report reviews the literature and analyses current processes to summarise e-waste management’s key issues. The article covers policy, regulation, collection and recycling infrastructure, technology, and public awareness. Policies and regulations shape e-waste management. EPR programs, recycling targets, and import/export laws are covered. These policies are assessed to promote responsible e-waste disposal and producer accountability. E-waste collection and recycling require effective infrastructure. Municipal collection facilities, store take-back, and recycling partnerships are compared. E-waste recycling technologies like mechanical and hydrometallurgical processes are evaluated for efficiency, environmental effect, and resource recovery. The study also evaluates how public awareness campaigns promote e-waste disposal. Effective educational, communal, and digital venues for e-waste recycling are assessed. According to the analysis, e-waste management could be improved. Policy frameworks, stakeholder participation, collecting infrastructure, sustainable recycling technologies, and public awareness are improved. This study paper helps policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers understand e-waste management systems and find ways to lessen their environmental and health impacts.

Advancing sustainable e-waste management systems integrated with artificial intelligence in developing countries

Advancing sustainable e-waste management systems integrated with artificial intelligence in developing countries

Design of sustainable electronic waste management business process transformation towards circular economy transition in Jakarta, Indonesia

E-waste or electronic waste management in developing countries still needs to catch up with developed countries. One of the challenges of electronic waste management in developing countries is its sustainability. Electronic waste management’s sustainability is essential for developing countries’ regional development. One of the promising concepts for developing sustainability for e-waste is the circular economy (CE). However, this requires mapping of e-waste management business processes. There needs to be more research on the business processes of e-waste management in developing countries toward CE transition, for example, Indonesia. Therefore, this research aims to design a business process transformation for sustainable e-waste management in Jakarta, Indonesia. We conducted this research using Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN). Our results give a new proposed business process for e-waste management. The new e-waste management business process is expected to improve efficiency and quality. This study will help policymakers and professionals to implement a better e-waste management system, especially in developing countries.

Role of Community-Based Organizations (CBO) in Formalizing the Informal E-waste Dismantling Sector of India: An Opinionated Perspective

The informal e-waste dismantling community consists of individuals who recycle and dismantle electronic waste (e-waste) outside of formal regulations. This informality is due to a lack of knowledge about proper waste handling, complex formalization procedures, competition from the formal sector, and economic challenges. Community-based organizations (CBOs) play a vital role in addressing these issues. CBOs support the formalization of informal dismantlers by providing licensed workspaces, access to recycling technologies, and assistance in transitioning to the formal economy. Formalizing the informal e-waste dismantling community through CBOs ensures compliance with regulations, promotes sustainability, and provides economic opportunities and social benefits. Case study analysis revealed that E-waste dismantler communities formed Community level, Sub-provincial Level, and Provincial level representatives partnered with local government bodies and organizations to attain socio-economic stability. They also contribute to capacity building, collaboration, and access to resources, and markets, supporting the transition to a formal sustainable e-waste management system.

RESEARCH ON URBAN E-WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CHINA BASED ON SMART TECHNOLOGIES

The improper management of e-waste poses a serious risk to the environment, human health and socio-economic sustainability due to the increasing volume of e-waste globally, its complexity and hazardous components. The management of e-waste is widely recognized as critical around the world, and China has begun to pay attention to e-waste management as well. The development of smart digital technologies provides a new option to realize efficient e-waste management. This study systematically reviews the application of smart digital technologies in e-waste management, which mainly involves the collection and recycling process of e-waste. On the basis, the research topic of advanced digital technologies used in e-waste management literature were unfolded and discussed. To explore the potential application of smart digital technologies in urban e-waste recycling management, this study investigates key digital technologies and equipment for promoting e-waste management in cities, establishing a smart recycling system and an intelligent logistics recycling system for e-waste, using City X in China as an example. In this study, we try to propose an alternative for City X based on intelligent digital technology, which mainly covers the collection process of e-waste, an intelligent logistics recycling system to track and optimize the logistics of e-waste recycling, and an intelligent inventory management that can realize the digital management of e-waste. Our findings could improve the performance of urban e-waste recycling and provide reference for the promotion of smart urban e-waste management system.