Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2021-553/ This report explores what the Nordic countries can do to promote the use of recyclable plastic components in electrical and electronic products, with particular focus on minimising their hazardous chemical component. The report provides an overview of the hazardous additives currently used in the plastic components of EEE, drawing on information available from legislation and supporting studies, research and academia, NGOs and market actors. The results presented here build upon input collected though a literature study, a policy analysis of EU and Nordic legislation and initiatives, interviews with experts across the value chain and an expert workshop. Together these inputs were used to assess and qualify possible future actions in the Nordic countries to minimise hazardous chemicals in plastic components of EEE.

Presently most electrical/electronic equipment (EEE) is not designed for recycling, let alone for circulation. Plastics in these products account for 20% of material use, and through better design, significant environmental and financial savings could be gained. Technological solutions and circular design opportunities already exist, but they haven’t been implemented yet. Some challenges, such as ease of disassembly, could be resolved through better communication and by sharing learnings across the value chain.Instead of WEEE, we should focus on developing CEEE: Circular Electrical and Electronic Equipment.The case examples of this report show how different stages of the lifecycle can be designed so that plastics circulation becomes possible and makes business sense. It is time to take a leap in material flow management and scale up these circular solutions across the industry.

Discover the latest technologies in the pursuit of zero-waste solutions in the electronics industry In Electronic Waste: Recycling and Reprocessing for a Sustainable Future, a team of expert sustainability researchers delivers a collection of resources that thoroughly examine methods for extracting value from electronic waste while aiming for a zero-waste scenario in industrial production. The book discusses the manufacturing and use of materials in electronic devices while presenting an overview of separation methods for industrial materials. Readers will also benefit from a global overview of various national and international regulations related to the topic of electronic and electrical waste. A must-read resource for scientists and engineers working in the production and development of electronic devices, the authors provide comprehensive overviews of the benefits of achieving a zero-waste solution in electronic and electrical waste, as well as the risks posed by incorrectly disposed of electronic waste. Readers will enjoy: An introduction to electronic waste, including the opportunities presented by zero-waste technologies and solutions Explorations of e-waste management and practices in developed and developing countries and e-waste transboundary movement regulations in a variety of jurisdictions Practical discussions of approaches for estimating e-waste generation and the materials used in electronic equipment and manufacturing perspectives In-depth treatments of various recycling technologies, including physical separation, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and biohydrometallurgy Perfect for materials scientists, electronic engineers, and metal processing professionals, Electronic Waste: Recycling and Reprocessing for a Sustainable Future will also earn a place in the libraries of industrial chemists and professionals working in organizations that use large amounts of chemicals or produce electronic waste.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Handbook, Second Edition, is a one-stop reference on current electronic waste legislation initiatives, their impact, and the latest technological considerations for reducing electronic waste (e-waste) and increasing the efficiency of materials recovery. It also provides a wide-range of global and corporate examples and perspectives on the challenges that face specific regions and companies, along with the solutions they are implementing in managing e-waste, offering further insights on how discarded products can be treated. Sections introduce the reader to legislation and initiatives to manage WEEE and discuss technologies for the refurbishment, treatment and recycling of waste electronics. Further sections focus on electronic products that present particular challenges for recyclers, explore sustainable design of electronics and supply chains, discuss national and regional WEEE management schemes, and more. - Addresses the latest challenges and opportunities for electronic waste (e-waste) management, including e-waste collection models, circular economy implications, rare earth metal recovery, and much more - Draws lessons for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) policy and practice from around the world - Discusses legislation and initiatives to manage WEEE, including global e-waste initiatives, EU legislation relating to electronic waste, and eco-efficiency evaluation of WEEE take-back systems

Electronic waste contains toxic and carcinogenic compounds, which can pose a risk to the environment. This title discusses the directive and examines legislation in the USA and other parts of the world, considering the opportunities and threats posed by this form of waste.

This book is purposefully styled as an introductory textbook on circular economy (CE) for the benefit of educators and students of universities. It provides comprehensive knowledge exemplified by practices from policy, education, R&D, innovation, design, production, waste management, business and financing around the world. The book covers sectors such as agriculture/food, packaging materials, build environment, textile, energy, and mobility to inspire the growth of circular business transformation. It aims to stimulate action among different stakeholders to drive CE transformation. It elaborates critical driving forces of CE including digital technologies; restorative innovations; business opportunities & sustainable business model; financing instruments, regulation & assessment and experiential education programs. It connects a CE transformation for reaching the SDGs2030 and highlights youth leadership and entrepreneurship at all levels in driving the sustainability transformation.