Extended Producer Responsibility Research Articles

Analysis and prediction on carbon emissions from electrical and electronic equipment industry in China

This research employs the IPCC methodology to assess carbon emissions from China's Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) industry for 2012–2020, utilizing the GM (1) model to predict emissions for the next decade. Six scenarios evaluate emissions, guiding strategies for reduction. Key findings reveal the usage phase as the highest emitter, while WEEE dismantling incurs the lowest. In 2020, emissions from production, sales, transportation, usage, recycling transportation, dismantling, and recycling were projected. Scrapping imported EEE from 2012 to 2020 results in 1.88 million tons of emissions. Projected 2030 emissions, under current policies or low-carbon measures, are 136 million tons and 72 million tons, respectively. Urgent actions, especially in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and stakeholder roles, are essential. The study advocates for consumer awareness on energy conservation and reducing dependence on imported products. Manufacturing emissions highlight the need for eco-design, emphasizing sustainable practices. Recycling and dismantling phases also contribute emissions, necessitating optimized routes and advanced technologies. In addition, the study explores the potential for carbon reduction by incorporating the organic combination of carbon trading markets, evaluating the carbon emission reduction potential of recycling enterprises. The proposal suggests replacing government subsidies with the sale of carbon credits, not only to stimulate companies to actively promote green dismantling but also to address the current inadequacy of subsidies. Establishing a comprehensive life cycle management system is crucial to minimizing the EEE industry's carbon footprint and promoting a sustainable future.

Plastic Packaging Waste Management: A Case in Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility Policies in Minnesota

The plastic pollution crisis is a global challenge affecting governments, private citizens, and the environment. Plastic packaging, which makes up approximately 40% of all plastic material produced globally, accounts for less than 10% of recycled material. This discrepancy highlights the rapid growth of various plastic types and difficulty for local governments to implement needed waste management practices or meet required capacities. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a model for multiple waste streams that places the post-consumer responsibility of a product on the producer. As governments seek to develop legislation to better manage plastic waste, EPR is a policy tool that will promote circularity. This paper discusses the successes and challenges of EPR policies in the European Union (EU), and in states that have enacted them, particularly in California. Many states have introduced or are seeking to introduce legislation on EPR for plastic packaging in the next few years. The Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, a bill for a product stewardship program for plastic and paper packaging materials was recently introduced in the Minnesota state legislature in 2024. This policy paper discusses several EPR policy options and recommendations to improve transparency and success of future EPR bills in states seeking to enact legislation, including Minnesota.

Optimizing the location choice of reverse logistics recycling network for end-of-life photovoltaic modules based on the EPR principle

With the rapid development of the photovoltaic (PV) industry, the collection and recycling of end-of-life PV modules is facing a new challenge. Based on the EPR principle (Extended Producer Responsibility principle), this paper investigates the location choice of reverse logistics recycling network for end-of-life PV modules from the perspective of different stakeholders. In this study, a mixed integer programming (MILP) model is established to optimize the reverse logistics network of end-of-life PV modules with the objective of minimizing the total cost of the reverse logistics network, taking into account a four-tier recycling network system with customers going to the recycling centre, dismantling and processing centre, remanufacturing centre and waste disposal agency, and three recycling solutions are designed according to the EPR principle, and the optimal solution is found with the help of CPLEX software. Optimal solution, so as to determine the siting of facilities in the network and the distribution among each node. We take Zhejiang Province, one of the leading regions in China for promoting distributed PV applications, as the research object, and plan and design the recycling network of end-of-life PV modules in Zhejiang Province, determine the siting of the network as well as the distribution of the traffic to validate the validity of the MILP model, and provide opinions and references for the recycling problem of end-of-life modules in the future.

The Impact of Globalization on Innovative Public Procurement: Challenges and Opportunities

Incorporating circular economy principles into forward-thinking public procurement strategies enhances sustainability through the promotion of resource efficiency, sustainable sourcing, and extended producer responsibility. This approach not only encourages innovation and collaboration among suppliers but also drives the development of solutions aligned with circular economy goals. The ultimate result is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly outcome in procurement. This article seeks to investigate the intersection of circular economy principles within the framework of an innovative public procurement system. The study explores the influence of globalization on this innovative public procurement paradigm, addressing both the challenges and opportunities inherent in the process. The study conceptualizes Innovative Public Procurement (IPP) as a strategic approach where public entities acquire goods, services, works, and utilities, emphasizing an optimal balance between price and quality. The central goal is to generate innovative benefits for both entities and society, all while minimizing adverse environmental effects. Employing traditional research methods, including the monographic method, document analysis, and comparison, the study illustrates how public procurement practices can be opened to innovators, including start-ups and innovative SMEs. The findings shed light on the challenges faced by these entities in navigating the procurement landscape, while emphasizing the potential opportunities arising from the synergy between innovative procurement practices and the circular economy. By adopting a holistic perspective that considers the full lifecycle costs and environmental impacts of goods and services, procurement decisions can prioritize options offering superior long-term value. This contributes to the broader transition towards a circular economy, effectively minimizing adverse effects on the environment...

Decisions for power battery closed-loop supply chain: cascade utilization and extended producer responsibility

Decisions for power battery closed-loop supply chain: cascade utilization and extended producer responsibility

Repair and Reuse or Recycle: What Is Best for Small WEEE in Australia?

The global and Australian trends indicate a steady increase in the generation of small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), constituting 30% of global WEEE in 2019 with an expected 90% increase in Australia over the next 25 years. Given this fact, identifying the most suitable circular economy strategy is vital in managing this waste stream. Hence, followed by a review of the literature, a model was developed to assess the suitability of repair, reuse, and recycling of small electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) by considering the lifespan and products put on the market (PoM) as critical variables. Findings indicate that solely repairing and reusing products, without reducing PoM small EEE, minimally affects short-term waste reduction. A synergistic approach, combining high product reuse with reduced PoM small EEE, is essential to decrease small WEEE generation significantly. Regardless of lifespan changes, the study indicates a proportional relationship between small WEEE generation rates and PoM small EEE changes, emphasising the need for a holistic strategy. Considering this, within stewardship schemes, the primary focus should initially lie on repairing and repurposing small EEE, with the potential for expansion into recycling once sufficient infrastructure and achievable recovery goals are established. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must shoulder substantial accountability, with a firm commitment to extended producer responsibility (EPR) even for historical products. The initial rollout could target four specific categories: toys, food preparation equipment, vacuum cleaners, and household tools, with the scope widening to encompass all categories following successful implementation.

Unlocking Circular Solutions: Exploring Multilayer Packaging in Sustainable Waste Management Through Material Flow Analysis and Stakeholder Perspectives ‐ Insights From Denmark

Multilayer packaging (MLP) in post-consumer waste is challenging to sort and process for recycling. It is often composed of a complex mixture of different materials that become contaminated which calls for a solution. Rules on extended producer responsibility for packaging will be enforced by 2025 across the EU. Considering the present situation, the questions arisen are the concerns how solutions to MLP may be built by adopting a more holistic, collaborative approach to creating circular interventions. This study aims to develop a solutions-building methodology for MLP from a value chain perspective and to devise an intervention plan for involved actors. To understand the packaging materials (and packaging waste) imported to, produced on, consumed, and exported from the Danish Island of Bornholm, a material flow analysis (MFA) was performed. This data-driven method uncovered hotspots and where interventions would have the highest impact. Additionally, it was used as a visualization tool at a multi-stakeholder workshop involving value chain actors to discuss future interventions. Results from the workshop showed the widely held perception that MLP separation and recycling is an appropriate 'near future' solution, as keeping the current operations and paying a third party to take care of the waste was the easier option for the producers. A radical innovation would have involved pushing boundaries, challenging conventional thinking, and pursuing ground-breaking ideas that could lead to substantial leaps from a circular perspective. From a methodological perspective, the MFA proved a vital tool for communicating the scale of packaging waste and facilitating discussions on potential interventions. MFA integrating with the results of multistakeholder workshop can lead to knowledge sharing and capacity sharing for stakeholders but cannot, in and of itself, lead to substantial leaps, i.e. radical innovation.

Eco-management of end-of-life tires: Advances and challenges for the Ecuadorian case.

The aim of this research is to analyse the performance of the extended producer responsibility model for the management of end-of-life tires (ELTs) in Ecuador that has been implemented since 2013. For this research, we conducted case studies of, and subsequently, a comparative analysis between, the ELT management system in Ecuador with respect to the ELT management models in Colombia and Brazil. Our findings show that although the programme implementation represented a significant advance in Ecuador's waste management system there are important challenges that should be considered in future adaptations of the programme. Among the measures that can be adopted to improve the ELT management system are the consolidation and stimulation of the market for products made from ELT waste; promotion of other productive sectors linked to the creation of new products and sectors that generate complementary products; enhancement of the generation, socialization and access to knowledge of the waste by-products for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises; increase the tire consumer fee, known as 'Ecovalor' and improvement of the quality and availability of information and indicators regarding ELT management. In this sense, the experiences of Colombia and Brazil show important lessons for the Ecuadorian case.

The Growing Problem of Textile Waste Generation—The Current State of Textile Waste Management

The textile industry is global, and most brands export their products to many different markets with different infrastructures, logistics, and regulations. A textile waste recovery system that works in one country may fail in another. European Union legislation (Directive (EU) 2018/851) mandates that post-consumer textile waste must be separately collected in all associated countries. This directive has also stated that, in January 2025, the rate of textile waste recycling in Europe should be increased. Local governments will be under pressure to improve the collection, sorting, and recycling of textiles. Supporting local governments could be part of a more long-term approach to managing high-value textile waste by implementing Extended Producer Responsibility, which would increase the recycling rate of textile companies. This would enable reuse of over 60% of recovered clothes, recycling into fibers of 35%, and only throwing away 5%. Today, most textile waste (85%) is disposed of as solid waste and must be disposed of through municipal or local waste management systems that either landfill or incinerate the waste. To increase reuse and recycling efficiency, textile waste should be collected and sorted according to the relevant input requirements. The dominant form of textile waste sorting is manual sorting. Sorting centers could be a future solution for intensifying the recycling of textile waste. Advances in textile waste management will require digitization processes, which will facilitate the collection, sorting, and recycling of textiles. It is very important that digitization will help to guide used products to recycling and encourage manufacturers to participate in the use and collection of product data. Currently, both the digitization of textile waste management and fiber recycling technologies are at the level of laboratory research and have not been implemented. The aim of this publication is to analyze the state of textile waste management, especially the various forms of recycling that involve a local governments and the textile industry.

A comparative analysis of government intervention under the EPR system: Eco-design and authorized remanufacturing

The extended producer responsibility system and government intervention are among the essential requirements for constructing sustainable economies. In a closed-loop supply chain consisting of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a third-party remanufacturer (TPR), this paper develops four Stackelberg game models for four modes of government intervention under patent licensing: no intervention, tax and subsidy, tax and subsidy plus eco-design tax deduction, and eco-design tax deduction only. The impacts of the different government interventions on the optimal production decision, social welfare, and environment are analyzed and compared. The results indicate that, compared with no government intervention, government tax and subsidy decrease the supply of new products, increase supply of remanufactured products, and raise recycling rates of end-of-life products; on top of tax and subsidy, the government’s eco-design tax deduction can further increase OEM and TPR profits; the environmental impact under different government intervention depends on the ratio of the environmental impacts of remanufactured to new products and the level of eco-design effort. This study provides decision makers (i.e., OEM and TPR) and policy makers (i.e., governments) with new managerial insights on the benefits of eco-design and effective mechanisms to promote it.

Reuse of Retired Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) for Electric Vehicles (EVs) from the Perspective of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Taiwan

Over the last 50 years since Whittingham created the world’s first lithium-ion battery (LIB) in 1970, LIBs have continued to develop and have become mainstream for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. However, when an LIB for an EV reaches 80% of its state of health (SOH), although it still retains about 80% of its capacity, it is no longer suitable for use in general EVs and must be retired. This is problematic because not only is a retired LIB still viable for use and not totally obsolete, if not properly disposed of, a retired LIB may cause environmental pollution on top of being a waste of resources. Therefore, the reuse of retired LIBs from EVs is increasingly important. This paper uses circular economy (CE) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) as a theoretical basis to deal with the disposal of retired LIBs from EVs in Taiwan from legal, technical, and economic perspectives, and hopes to provide suggestions for the reuse of retired LIBs from EVs in Taiwan.

The global governance of marine plastic pollution: rethinking the extended producer responsibility system

The global governance of marine plastic pollution: rethinking the extended producer responsibility system

A Risk-based Approach for Waste Management in the Modern Circular Economy: Propositions from the EU Recycling Industries

EuRIC, the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation, proposes five regulatory actions to enhance material circularity: i) Set stable regulations based on the principle of "one substance - one assessment" along with realistic, evidence-based scientific risk assessments; ii) Prioritise increasing waste collection for a better elimination of substances of concern to reducing the concentration limit in recycled products; iii) Strict enforcement of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for all restricted or banned substances, where exemptions should be carefully considered by evidence-based science; iv) Align the classification hazard systems used for waste materials with those used for products; v) Grant an end-of-waste status (EoW) at the output of a controlled, certified industrial loop. Those propositions create a level playing field for collection, sorting, and waste preparation within EU and an improved waste shipment. The underlying question is striking the right balance between the precautionary and responsibility principles in the circular economy. Given the presence of hazardous "legacy" substances and the prolonged life of certain products within an evolving regulatory framework, the recycling industry proposes controlled-risk solutions aligned with the intended use or recycled materials for products not yet ecodesigned. The recommendations suggest a shift in the waste definition, considering the fate of matter within the waste hierarchy—emphasizing prevention, management, and policy alignment with the principles of the circular economy. So, materials that can be prepared for reuse or recycling are categorized as pre-materials, while those suitable only for other recovery methods such as energy recovery or landfilling are considered wastes.

Municipal solid waste management instruments that influence the use of the refuse as fuel in developing countries: A critical review.

Landfills are the destination of most of the refuse generated whereas composting, material recycling, and Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies are not commonly employed in developing countries. However, the destination for energy purposes could be supplied with this refuse, improving the viability of energy use. Thus, this article raises some questions to identify aspects that could encourage its use as refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in these countries. Among them, does environmental education affect the municipal solid waste (MSW) source separation with emphasis on a destination? Can selective collection and extended producer responsibility (EPR) affect the MSW for energy recovery? Is there competition between the recycling market and the energy market for RDF? A systematic review of the literature was conducted to gather data and provide answers to such questions. This enabled to observe that EPR, selective collect expansion and source separation influence the quantity and quality of waste sent for energy use. Both internal and external factors impact on source separation. Additionally, there is evidence to support that despite several studies showing their technical, economic, environmental and social viability, the methods of energy usage of the refuse still need to improve their deployment in developing countries. In addition to identifying the main research gaps to be filled in future studies, the article also identified the instruments of MSW management that are to be applied in developing countries to divert recyclable and organic waste from landfill.

Policy scenario of plastic waste mitigation in Indonesia using system dynamics.

Plastic waste has become a major contributor to global environmental pollution. Some of the environmental impacts of plastic waste include littering, the formation of plastic debris in oceans and the contamination of freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Policymakers face great challenges in mitigating plastic waste. Indonesia is considered the second largest contributor of plastic waste in the world. However, existing policies have not addressed this issue. Policies, such as bans on single-use plastic bags and fees on plastic bags, have recently been implemented in some pilot cities, but the results remain unclear. Thus, this study proposes feasible policies to mitigate plastic waste in Indonesia using system dynamics. Specifically, this study seeks to develop a dynamic model of plastic waste mitigation and to propose a policy scenario for plastic waste mitigation. The proposed policies consist of a plastic bag ban, a plastic bag fee, a recycling centre and extended producer responsibility (EPR). The analysis demonstrates that an effective mixed policy instrument for reducing plastic waste depends on the plastic waste type. Regarding plastic bottles, the effective mixed policy is a combination of a recycling centre and EPR. For plastic bags, the effective mixed policies include the following combinations: a plastic bag fee and plastic bag ban, a plastic bag fee and recycling centre and a plastic bag ban and recycling centre.

Waste generation and macroeconomic drivers: a panel study for European countries and regions

PurposeThe vast amounts of waste generated today threaten economies and societies due to high environmental and management costs. The aim is to investigate the short- and long-term patterns of municipal waste generation (MWG) in response to socio-economic and demographic growth variables at national and regional levels.Design/methodology/approachA panel data approach employing ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects (FE), random effects (RE), fully modified least squares (FMOLS) and error correction model (ECM) techniques. A sample of 28 European countries (2000–2020) and 44 European Union (EU) regions (2000–2018) were selected.FindingsDuring periods of economic growth and higher employment rates, consumer confidence tends to increase, leading to elevated levels of consumer spending and consumption. Intensification in the production factors, specifically capital and employment, results in an upsurge in MWG, thereby creating a cycle where waste generation becomes deeply entrenched in the economic system in both the short and long terms. Rapid population growth, attributed to higher fertility rates, is associated with increased MWG. At the regional level, a double-aging process and a shift toward an aging population exert less pressure on MWG in both the short and long term. Promoting higher levels of environment-oriented human development yields various benefits, including the generation of greater knowledge spillovers, enhanced environmental literacy, a shift toward circular thinking and the promotion of greener entrepreneurship. Increased R&D expenditures facilitate the development of innovative waste reduction technologies, fostering improvements in waste management techniques, recycling processes and the utilization of sustainable materials.Research limitations/implicationsThe research examines the short- and long-term adjustments of MWG in response to changes in macroeconomic variables from low aggregation (countries) to high aggregation (regions). By analyzing the relationship between economic growth, urbanization, healthcare system quality, labor market functioning, demographic trends, educational level, technological advancement and MWG, the study fills a research gap and enhances understanding of waste management interventions. However, data availability and waste statistics accuracy should be considered. Future research could explore the relationship between macroeconomic variables and waste generation in sectors beyond MWG, such as industrial or construction waste, for a more comprehensive understanding of waste generation as a whole.Practical implicationsThe positive correlation between economic activity levels and waste generation in both the short and long terms, emphasizes the criticality of investing in waste reduction and recycling infrastructure to mitigate landfill waste. The negative correlation between population density and waste generation stresses the importance of strategic waste facility placement in low-density areas. To effectively manage higher MWG, tailored waste collection systems and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles are of immense importance. The positive relationship between employment rates and waste generation underscores the necessity of waste reduction programs that generate employment opportunities. The positive correlation between fertility rates and waste generation emphasizes the need for the expansion of extended producer responsibility programs to include products and materials specifically associated with families and child-rearing. Education campaigns and governmental support for research and development (R&D) in waste reduction technologies are also integral components of an effective waste management strategy.Originality/valueThe short- and long-term adjustments of MWG reacts to shifts in macroeconomic variables from low aggregation (countries) to high aggregation (regions). Previous research has neglected the long-term information contained in variables by not incorporating the lagged error correction term (ETM). Neglecting this aspect could result in imprecise estimates of the elasticities.

From waste to wealth: Policies to promote the circular economy

This policy article addresses the urgent need for a comprehensive policy framework to advance the circular economy, a crucial strategy in mitigating the global waste and pollution crisis. It seeks to bridge the research gap by evaluating and structuring circular economy policies across various governance levels, employing an ecological economics perspective. Through a synthesis of literature and case studies, the article examines the effectiveness of regulatory policies, economic incentives, and voluntary measures, and confronts the cultural, behavioral, economic, regulatory, technical, and logistical barriers to implementation. The findings underscore the importance of integrated policy approaches, such as extended producer responsibility, environmental taxes, and corporate sustainability practices, offering actionable insights for stakeholders. This contribution is significant for its strategic recommendations, which are vital for transitioning towards sustainable development and operationalizing the circular economy in practice.

E-Waste Management Rules 2022: Issues And Solution For Environmental Protection

An important global concern is the handling of electrical and electronic waste, particularly in India, a rapidly growing electronics market. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated demand and growth, with India contributing over two million tonne’s of its electronic waste every year. India produced 1.6 million tonne’s of e-waste in the fiscal 2021–22, ranking third in the world, however, only half a million tons was gathered and treated. As India transforms to a digital economy, and electric mobility, this number is anticipated to rise dramatically as a result of the rising usage of the electronic gadgets, solar panels, and electric automobiles. E-waste must be managed carefully because it contains dangerous materials that, if improperly handled or disposed of, are damaging “to the environment and human health.” In its 192nd Report on the “Functioning of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Department of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science, Technology, Environment, and Forests came to the conclusion that e-waste will become a significant issue in the future” due to modern lifestyles, rising living standards, and increased economic growth. In order to control e-waste and safeguard the environment in India, this article examines the problems and potential solutions. It also critically evaluates the recent legal adoption and effective execution “of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which went into effect on April 1, 2023, These regulations mark the beginning of a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for recycling e-waste.”

Extended producer responsibility to reconstruct the circular value chain

This research explores the role of extended producer responsibility (EPR) as an enabler of circular value chain in the Chinese context. The driven forces and key stakeholders were identified to extend producer responsibility in developing the national-circular-economy strategies. An evaluation system was established to link the eco-design strategy of the producer with the downstream-recycling performance of products. The eco-design information was retrieved from the self-disclosure information in the sustainable development report of producers. The downstream-waste-flow information comes from multiple platforms of reuse and recycling companies. The aim of reforming the EPR system is to establish an open forum for competition and cooperation among different stakeholders to achieve a continuously-improving target of circularity and life cycle environmental performance of the products. With the evaluation results, the producers are encouraged to fully explore all opportunities in the circular value chain instead of focusing only on the final disposal or disassembly of waste. The conclusion suggests that EPR policies should break the restrictions on eco-design and innovation in business models by creating and capturing values of circularity along with the world's collective climate change mitigation efforts.

The Long Run and Short Run Impact of GDP and Real Income on Solid Waste in Nigeria Using Vector Error Correction Model

This study investigates the long-run and short-run impacts of economic growth on solid waste generation in Nigeria using a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Analyzing data from 1982 to 2022, the study reveals cointegration among solid waste, GDP, and real income, indicating a long-run equilibrium relationship. Key findings show that economic growth has a statistically significant and positive impact on waste generation in the long run, indicating a potential environmental trade-off associated with economic development. Conversely, resource intensity shows no significant long-run influence on waste generation. In the short run, past waste generation exhibits a positive and significant effect on current levels, highlighting the need for effective waste management practices to combat inertia and prevent further waste accumulation. Interestingly, the short-run impacts of both economic growth and resource intensity are found to be statistically insignificant. Based on these findings, we propose several policy recommendations for sustainable waste management in Nigeria: promoting environmentally friendly production processes, supporting resource recovery and waste-to-energy initiatives, implementing extended producer responsibility, expanding and improving waste collection infrastructure, investing in sorting and recycling facilities, and conducting public awareness campaigns. We further call for further research to explore the nuanced relationship between resource intensity and waste generation across different income groups and sectors.