Electronic Waste Management Research Articles

Current Context in Brazil and in The State of Pará Regarding Studies on Electro-Electronic Waste Integrated Into Reverse Logistics: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR)

Objective: This study aims to contextualize the management of electronic waste (EW) in Brazil, with an emphasis on the state of Pará. It also seeks to identify the main environmental impacts and mitigating actions related to the inadequate disposal of this waste. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on concepts of sustainability and reverse logistics (RL) applied to the management of EWE, with a focus on mitigating environmental impacts and identifying actors responsible for implementing public policies. Method: The methodology adopted involves conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) in the Capes Periodicals database, covering publications from the last 10 years. Ten articles were selected for analysis, in addition to 4 articles specific to Pará. The analysis was guided by three research questions related to environmental impacts, mitigating actions and actors involved in RL. Results and Discussion: The main results indicate that the inadequate disposal of EW causes significant damage to the environment and human health. RL was identified as the main mitigating action, with the government being the most relevant actor in the implementation of public policies. Research Implications: This research contributes by providing a comparative overview between Brazil and Pará, offering support for improvements in EW management and sustainability policies. Originality/Value: The originality of the study lies in the comparative analysis of national and regional data, highlighting the relevance of public policies in the context of RL.

Digital Governance and Electronic Waste Management at Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul – Brazil

The Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) has the Information and Communication Technology Master Plan (PDTIC) to guide and monitor the performance of the Information Technology (IT) area within the institution. The IT area at UFMS has the Digital Governance Committee (CGD), responsible for drafting the Information Security Policy (PSI); the Information and Communication Technology Procurement Plan (PCTIC); the Open Data Plan (PDA); and the University's PDTIC. In addition to the Information and Communication Technology Agency (AGETIC), which is responsible for coordinating, guiding, supervising, executing, and controlling the organization's IT activities. This work aims to demonstrate that sustainability is part of both Digital Governance and the curriculum of UFMS students, focusing on the management of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) within the University. The UFMS Solid Waste and Health Services Management Plan (PGRS/PGRSS) outlines guidelines for the management of these materials, and annually, since 2017, the Faculty of Computing (FACOM) at UFMS organizes the Electronic Waste Collection Week, a project aimed at raising awareness among the academic community about disposal, reuse, and recycling, helping to conserve the environment. This action assists in the education of these students by making them protagonists in this initiative. In each edition hundreds of electronic devices have been reused by students and community, serving as an example of socio-environmental impact action. The methodology employed by UFMS to organize and advance electronic waste management efforts involved the establishment of digital governance regulations, along with sustainability management and governance practices, in order to structure and promote electronic waste management actions at UFMS.

Unveiling mercury exposure sources in e-waste recycling with biomonitoring - A Portuguese case study

Abstract Background Mercury (Hg), a global pollutant, poses risks to both human and environmental health. The management and recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is recognized as having the potential to promote workers’ exposure to this pollutant. Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a tool that can be used to evaluate exposure and monitor the health of workers. The objective of this study was to characterize exposure of workers from an e-waste recycling company and to analyze the relevance that HBM holds in the detailed characterization of exposure. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using data collected within the framework of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU). Data from environmental monitoring (settled dust) and biological monitoring (urine and hair) of 30 workers potentially exposed to Hg were analyzed in comparison with 12 unexposed workers from other occupational settings (controls). Results Exposed workers did not exhibit significantly higher concentrations of Hg in urine when compared to control workers. We found a significantly positive correlation between the concentration of Hg in urine (ρ = 0.688; p ≤ 0.001) and hair (ρ = 0.470; p ≤ 0.01) and the consumption of fish and shellfish. Conclusions Diet appears to be the most significant source of Hg in this context. These results suggest the importance of information and dietary habits to prevent mercury exposure. HBM stands out as an essential tool for identifying the most relevant exposure sources and risk management measures for workers and the general population. Key messages • Diet appears to be the most significant Hg source in workers from a Portuguese e-waste company. • HBM stands out as essential for identifying the most relevant exposure sources and risk management.

Biotechnological Approaches for Metal Recovery from Electronic Wastes.

The disposal of electronic waste (EW) in open landfills has caused several toxic environmental effects. The harmful metallic components released in the environment due to deposition of EW act as hazards for living systems. EW management has been widely studied in recent days across the world. Though, several processes are implemented in extraction, recycling and recovery of heavy metals from the EW, most of them are not effective in recovering the precious metals. Various chemical processes are executed for efficient extraction of precious metals from e-wastes. Though the techniques are easy to process and rapid, however, the chemical leaching also has detrimental environmental consequences. Biological approaches, on the other hand, solves the purpose for efficient and environmentally friendly recovery of precious metals. Thus, both resource recovery as well as remediation can be targeted simultaneously. Biotechnological methods offer sustainable and efficient solutions for metal recovery from electronic wastes, presenting a viable alternative to traditional methods. Continued advancements in this field hold significant promise for addressing the growing e-waste challenge.

Transient Starch‐Based Nanocomposites for Sustainable Electronics and Multifunctional Sensing

AbstractDeveloping materials for electronics and sensing based on abundant and degradable materials is fundamental for transitioning both fields toward a more sustainable future. In the long run, this approach can unleash these fields from using petroleum‐derived and/or scarce resources, possibly facilitating electronic waste (e‐waste) management at the same time. Starch, one of the most abundant and versatile natural polymers, has shown great potential in the fabrication of degradable/transient devices. In this work, electrically conductive and mechanically robust starch‐Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposites are successfully engineered, offering a promising advancement in sustainable electronics. The nanocomposite films exhibit remarkable tunability with varying MXene concentrations (from 0.69 to 2.42 vol%), allowing precise control over their properties. This tunability enables modifications in tensile strength (from 6.4 to 11.2 MPa), electrical conductivity (from 2.31 × 10−3 to 3.98 S m−1), and gauge factor. Such characteristics make these films ideal for various applications, including body movement monitoring, tactile sensing, handwriting recognition, and electronic smart skin. Unlike their petroleum‐based counterparts, the starch‐based films demonstrate significant biodegradability, breaking down within a month after being buried in soil. This rapid degradation highlights the potential of these transient composites for various electronics applications, offering an environmentally friendly alternative.

Formation of an electronic waste management system based on the use of key principles of the best available technologies

Abstract The article substantiates the expediency of the transition of modern industry from a development model based on economic growth to a model built on the principles of the best available technologies (BAT), including the industries responsible for waste management. This is especially true for e-waste management, which is one of the fastest growing categories of waste. Today in Russia, as a transitional stage to the principles of BAT, integrated environmental permits (IEP) issued to enterprises by Russian Environment Ministry are used, which are a document that, in accordance with Art. 31.1 of Federal Law No. 7-FL of January 10, 2002, “is issued for a separate facility that has a negative impact on the environment” and contains a number of requirements and standards enshrined in clause 10 of Article 31.1. Nevertheless, this process is tepid, which is associated both with the lack of development of the issuance procedure itself, and with the non-compliance of the companies’ technological processes with the standards for permissible emissions and discharges. The article formulates the principles that must be observed while issuing an IEP. The procedure for issuing IEPs is considered, its main stages are analyzed. Differences from the similar order in European countries are revealed. The dynamics of issuing IEP for the period from 2019 to 2022, including in the field of waste management, is analyzed. The existing problems in the implementation of waste management activities by regional operators are identified. The analysis and grouping of data on the generation, processing, disposal, neutralization, disposal of production and consumption waste, submitted by Russian companies in the report on the 2-TP form by federal districts, as well as by the category “electronic waste”, was carried out. The structure of these wastes was also analyzed according to hazard class. The increase of the highly hazardous waste mass was found although their share decreased over the specified period. The results obtained made it possible to formulate the most important directions for reforming the system for issuing environmental permits, considering the principles of BAT. Further research will be directed to the formation of a waste management system for the electronics industry at the regional level.

Assessment of Current Situation of Electronic and Electrical Waste Management: A Case of Toul Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Assessment of Current Situation of Electronic and Electrical Waste Management: A Case of Toul Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

An empirical investigation into the enhancement of decision-making capabilities in corporate sustainability leadership through Internet of Things (IoT) integration

This research investigates the impact of Internet of Things (IoT) applications on decision-making capacity (DMC) development in Corporate Sustainable Leadership (CSL). The research focuses on how IoT enhances Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices within organizations, addressing key sustainability challenges and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through quantitative and qualitative analyses, the study identifies three primary findings: (1) IoT applications directly enhance power source management in the environmental domain, improving Business Strategy and Long-term Growth (BSLG) and Measurement and Reporting (M&R) capabilities. This is achieved through real-time monitoring, smart building management, and predictive maintenance. In the social sphere, IoT strengthens supply chain transparency, bolstering Stakeholder Management (SM) through real-time tracking and blockchain-integrated systems for product authenticity verification. IoT comprehensively empowers performing risk management in the governance realm, improving Organizational Culture (OC) through early warning systems and predictive analytics for risk mitigation. (2) IoT integration facilitates Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM), Real-Time Responsiveness (RTR), and Business Risk Management (BRM), key components of IoT-DMC. Furthermore, it supports the development of Effective Stakeholder Management (ESM), Resource Efficiency (RE), and Sustainable Competitive Outcomes (SCO) within IoT-CSL. (3) While highlighting the potential of IoT in advancing CSL, the research also acknowledges challenges such as initial investment costs, data privacy concerns, technological complexity, energy consumption of IoT devices, and electronic waste management. The study concludes that successful IoT implementation in CSL requires careful planning, robust data management, and a holistic approach considering both benefits and potential drawbacks.

Integrated recovery of copper and gold from end-of-life LEDs using two-step leaching process with volatile fatty acids

The rising demand for precious metals in clean energy technologies, coupled with their natural scarcity, has prompted the exploration of innovative processes targeting unconventional metal sources such as end-of-life electronic devices. Hydrometallurgical techniques hold promise, but environmental concerns persist, particularly concerning environmentally friendly solvent usage. This study investigates a hydrometallurgical approach, employing a two-step leaching process with mimic organic waste-derived volatile fatty acids (VFAs) for copper (Cu) extraction following gold (Au) recovery using thiourea (TU) solution from end-of-life light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Preliminary investigations with Cu powder using various organic and inorganic ligands revealed that acetic acid (AA) with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an oxidant surpassed inorganic ligands at pH 4. The subsequent application of AA for Cu recovery from end-of-life LEDs resulted in a 75.36 % Cu leaching efficiency at pH 4, emphasizing VFAs’ potential in recovering Cu elements from heterogeneous electronic waste. The solid residues from AA-treated LEDs were then dissolved in a TU solution with H2O2. yielding a substantial improvement in Au recovery efficiency—94.42 % within an hour, compared to 19.47 % via direct leaching. This study demonstrates VFAs as a sustainable alternative to traditional solvents for Cu leaching, followed by Au recovery in a two-step leaching process. This approach supports a circular economy in electronic waste management by integrating biogenic waste streams for metal recovery.

E-waste management from electronic repair workshops: Societal implications and environmental consequences

Improper disposal of faulty electronic devices can result in pollution, health hazards, social inequity, and legal issues. This study explores the perceptions and practices of electronic waste management among electronic repair technicians in Ho Municipality, Ghana, with a focus on the significant societal and environmental impacts of e-waste generated in electronic service workshops. A survey using both random and purposive sampling of 150 electronic repairers in Ho Municipality found limited awareness of the negative effects, toxic components, environmental risks, and proper handling and disposal procedures associated with e-waste. Notably, only 31 % of participants were aware of the environmental risks, while 69 % were not. "Experience" emerged as a significant predictor of awareness regarding e-waste health risks. Only 22 % were knowledgeable about the hazardous substances in e-waste, indicating a low level of awareness of its risks and opportunities for reducing them. These findings highlight the need for collaboration among stakeholders to implement sustainable e-waste management practices in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A Descriptive Analysis of Electronic Waste Management among Electronic Repair Vendors in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a rapidly growing global problem, with Africa generating 2.9 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019. In Tanzania, Mwanza faces a significant amount of e-waste and poor management of e-waste collection and disposal. This study conducted a descriptive analysis of e-waste management practices among electronic repair vendors in Mwanza City, Tanzania. The objective was to describe their current e-waste management practices, identify challenges, and highlight areas for improvement. The lack of awareness and inadequate practices among electronic repair vendors hinder effective e-waste management, contributing to the environmental and health risks associated with the improper disposal of hazardous materials. A literature review revealed the importance of stakeholder engagement, improved awareness, and sustainable e-waste management practices in various African countries. This study employed a descriptive research design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data will be collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations targeting a sample of electronic repair vendors in Mwanza City. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that using e-waste as a spare part of other products and selling non-repairable e-waste to third parties are current e-waste management practices. Moreover, e-repair vendors have been found to contribute to e-waste management, particularly repair, collection, and storage. Based on these findings, the study recommends that an e-waste awareness campaign be instituted in the e-repair industry, that e-waste management be undertaken sustainably to combat unnecessary disposal, and that the deposition of e-waste and e-waste collection equipment(s) be provided to e-repair vendors for proper e-waste collection and management. Also, there is a need to conduct further studies to assess strategies used by local authorities to support e-repair vendors in e-waste management.

Calcium Alginate as an Active Device Component for Light-Triggered Degradation of 2D MoS2-Based Transient Electronics.

Transient electronics technology has enabled the programmed disintegration of functional devices, paving the way for environmentally sustainable management of electronic wastes as well as facilitating the exploration of novel device concepts. While a variety of inorganic and/or organic materials have been employed as media to introduce transient characteristics in electronic devices, they have been mainly limited to function as passive device components. Herein, we report that calcium (Ca) alginate, a natural biopolymer, exhibits multifunctionalities of introducing light-triggered transient characteristics as well as constituting active components in electronic devices integrated with two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layers. Ca2+ ions-based alginate electrolyte films are prepared through hydrolysis reactions and are subsequently incorporated with riboflavin, a natural photosensitizer, for the light-driven dissolution of 2D MoS2 layers. The alginate films exhibit strain-sensitive triboelectricity, confirming the presence of abundant mobile Ca2+ ions, which enables them to be active components of 2D MoS2 field-effect transistors (FETs) functioning as electrolyte top-gates. The alginate-integrated 2D MoS2 FETs display intriguing transient characteristics of spontaneous degradation upon ultraviolet-to-visible light illumination as well as water exposure. Such transient characteristics are demonstrated even in ambient conditions with natural sunlight, highlighting the versatility of the developed approach. This study emphasizes a relatively unexplored aspect of combining naturally abundant polymers with emerging near atom-thickness semiconductors toward realizing unconventional and transformative device functionalities.

Problems of information security in the management of electronic waste

Subject. The study is devoted to data security issues in the disposal of electronic waste. Objectives. The focus is on the analysis of problems and world experience in ensuring user information security in the organization of electronic waste management system, according to the circular economy principles. Methods. The study rests on the content analysis of regulatory and legal documentation on electronic waste management. The information base includes standards of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), the Basel Action Network, Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), European legislation on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), and Russian standards for waste management. Results. So far, Russia has no regulations on data security issues when handling out-of-service electronic equipment, according to the circular economy principles. We propose to supplement Russian regulatory documents with aspects of information security, which will have positive effects on the confidentiality of data available on electronic media when recycling electronic waste. Conclusions. It is required to introduce strict State regulation of processes of handling information contained on electronic media. This will enhance the credibility of e-waste recycling companies with regard to information security.

Biosorption of copper, nickel, and manganese as well as the production of metal nanoparticles by Bacillus species isolated from soils contaminated with electronic wastes.

Improper electronic waste management in the world especially in developing countries such as Iran has resulted in environmental pollution. Copper, nickel, and manganese are from the most concerned soil contaminating heavy metals which found in many electronic devices that are not properly processed. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological removal of copper, nickel, and manganese by Bacillus species isolated from a landfill of electronic waste (Zainal Pass hills located in Isfahan, Iran) which is the and to produce nanoparticles from the studied metals by the isolated bacteria. The amounts of copper, nickel, and manganese in the soil was measured as 1.9 × 104 mg/kg, 0.011 × 104 mg/kg and 0.013 × 104 mg/kg, respectively based on ICP-OES analysis, which was significantly higher than normal (0.02 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, and 2 mg/kg, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of metals on the bacterial isolates was determined. The biosorption of metals by the bacteria was evaluated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The metal nanoparticles were synthetized utilizing the isolates in culture media containing the heavy metals with the concentrations to which the isolates had shown resistance. X ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used for the evaluation of the fabrication of the produced metal nanoparticles. Based on the findings of this study, a total of 15 bacterial isolates were obtained from the soil samples. The obtained MICs of copper, nickel, and manganese on the isolates were 40-300 mM, 4-10 mM, and 60-120 mM, respectively. The most resistant isolates to copper were FM1 and FM2 which were able to bio-remove 79.81% and 68.69% of the metal, respectively. FM4 and FM5 were respectively the most resistant isolate to nickel and manganese and were able to bio-remove 86.74% and 91.96% of the metals, respectively. FM1, FM2, FM4, and FM5 was molecularly identified as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus paramycoides, and Bacillus wiedmannii, respectively. The results of XRD, SEM and EDS showed conversion of the copper and manganese into spherical and oval nanoparticles with the approximate sizes of 20-40 nm. Due to the fact that the novel strains in this study showed high resistance to copper, nickel, and manganese and high adsorption of the metals, they can be used in the future, as suitable strains for the bio-removal of these metals from electronic and other industrial wastes.

Biodegradation of e-waste microplastics by Penicillium brevicompactum

Electronic and electric waste (e-waste) management strategies often fall short in dealing with the plastic constituents of printed circuit boards (PCB). Some plastic materials from PCB, such as epoxy resins, may release contaminants, but neither potential environmental impact has been assessed nor mitigation strategies have been put forward.This study assessed the biodegradation of microplastics (1–2 mm in size) from PCB by the fungus Penicillium brevicompactum over 28 days, thus contributing to the discussion of mitigation strategies for decreasing the environmental impact of such plastics in the environment. The capacity of P. brevicompactum to induce microplastic fragmentation and degradation has been determined by the increased the number of smaller-sized particles and microplastic mass reduction (up to 75 % within 14 days), respectively. The occurrence of chain scission and oxidation of microplastics exposed to P. brevicompactum when compared with the control conditions (which occurred only after 28 days of exposure) can be observed. Furthermore, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy performed in dried biomass put in evidence an increase in the absorption intensities in regions that could be attributed to functional groups associated with carbohydrates.The results underline the potential role of the genus Penicillium, particularly P. brevicompactum, in the biodegradation of microplastics from PCB, thus providing the basis for further exploration of its potential for e-waste bioremediation and research on the underlying mechanisms for sustainable approaches to mitigate e-waste pollution.

Classification of e-waste using machine learning-assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Waste management and the economy are intertwined in various ways. Adopting sustainable waste management techniques can contribute to economic growth and resource conservation. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based classification is very crucial for rapid and contactless classification of metals in electronic waste (e-waste) management. In the present research work, five types of aluminium alloys, because of their extensive use in structural, electrical and thermotechnical functions in the electronics industry, were taken. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), a spectral identifier technique, was employed in conjunction with machine learning (ML) classification models of AI. Principal component analysis (PCA), an unsupervised ML classifier, was found incapable to differentiate LIBS data of alloys. Supervised ML classifier was then trained (for 10-fold cross-validation) on randomly selected 80% and tested on 20% spectral data of each alloy to assess classification capacity of each. In most of the tested variants of K nearest neighbour (kNN) the resulting accuracy was lower than 30% but kNN ensembled with random subspace method showed improved accuracy up to 98%. This study revealed that an AI-based LIBS system can classify e-waste alloys rather effectively in a non-contactless mode and could potentially be connected with robotic systems, hence, minimizing manual labour.

Developing Whiteboard Animation as an Educational Media for Electronic Waste Management in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY)

Developing Whiteboard Animation as an Educational Media for Electronic Waste Management in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY)

Bio-extraction of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries using magnetotactic bacteria and its role in electronic waste management

Bio-extraction of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries using magnetotactic bacteria and its role in electronic waste management

Economic and environmental benefits of e-waste management networks design in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia

Purpose: Electronic devices consumption, especially smartphones for communication, have increased significantly, causing the potential for electronic waste to increase too. However, the high potential of this flow has not been matched by good waste management. This study aims to develop a management network for e-waste that collaborates formal and informal channels to provide optimal supply chain benefits in terms of economic and environmental aspectsDesign/methodology/approach: This research designs an e-waste management network followed by building a single-objective mathematical model that considers economic and environmental aspects. This model was solved using Mixed Integer Linear Programming.Findings: The supply chain will benefit from the proposed management network by collaborating formal and informal channels. With an incentive of 10,000 IDR, it is hoped that it will be able to invite consumers and informal collectors to collect waste informal channels. The total profit from managing electronic waste supply every month from Yogyakarta Province is 5.529 x 1010 IDR with the composition, consumers 81.2%, informal 13.3% channel obtained from informal collectors and repairing centers and 2.1% for formal channels, and there is an intangible profit of 3.4%. The formal channel provides more significant benefits than the informal, but requires a significant investment. This formal channel feasible if at least 33% of the total supply goes to this channel.Research limitations/implications: The model designed is deterministic. Therefore, it can be developed into a probabilistic model for further research to represent more real cases in the field.Practical implications: Regulation is the factor that most influences consumers' intentions and behavior to participate in e-waste management programs. It will be able to change consumer behavior by forcing consumers to participate in e-waste collection programs. Therefore, a government regulation is needed that organizes and supervises the implementation of the proposed management model.Social implications: Currently, the practice developing in the community is that the informal sector carries out smartphone waste management, therefore in the designs made, informal actors are still given space in waste management for the repair process and the secondhand market. Meanwhile, further processing, such as recycling, must be carried out through formal channels taking into account the environmental impact.Originality/value: Few studies have developed an electronic waste management model by collaborating informal and formal channels that consider economic and environmental aspects, and its implementation is organized and supervised by government regulations.

Optimizing E-Waste Recycling for Critical Metal Recovery in Malaysia with Economic and Environmental Analysis

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global waste management, the disposal and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) present significant challenges and opportunities, particularly in the context of recovering critical metals essential for various high-tech and green technologies. This paper sets out to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the current practices and technologies deployed in Malaysia for recycling e-waste, with a particular emphasis on the recovery of such critical metals. Our investigation delves into the economic and environmental dimensions of e-waste recycling processes, assessing their viability, sustainability, and the potential impacts on both the local ecosystem and the global supply chain of critical raw materials. The primary aim is to dissect the intricacies of existing e-waste management frameworks in Malaysia, identifying the bottlenecks that hinder the efficient recovery of valuable metals and evaluating the overall effectiveness of these systems in terms of economic returns and environmental conservation. Through this analysis, the paper aims to illuminate the innovative approaches and technological solutions that can be harnessed to enhance the recovery rates of critical metals, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of e-waste and contributing to a more circular economy. Furthermore, the paper seeks to bridge the gap between the current state of e-waste recycling in Malaysia and the ideal, optimized processes that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. By highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with the recovery of critical metals from e-waste, this study underscores the importance of adopting an integrated approach that encompasses policy reform, technological innovation, and stakeholder engagement. In doing so, it provides a roadmap for Malaysia and similar economies facing the dual challenge of e-waste management and resource scarcity, offering insights into creating sustainable, resilient, and economically viable recycling ecosystems.