Challenges of waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) : Toward a better management in a global scenario

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the recent global situation on waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) management and recommend policy directions for designing environmental strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research approach is adopted to review studies on WEEE management in developed and developing countries. The focus is to critically consider the available options for its safe management.

Findings

Approximately 40-50 million tons of WEEE is generated worldwide annually and most of it is dumped in the developing countries. WEEE is not a challenge to be faced by a single country as it has trans-boundary effects and ultimately the contamination reaches back to the developed countries with a lapse of time.

Research limitations/implications

Data availability on WEEE generation and disposal is in initial stages.

Practical implications

Developing countries in Asia and Africa do not have resources to handle WEEE. The unregulated and unsafe WEEE management practices in these countries let hazardous materials to disseminate into the marine life and global ecosystem.

Originality/value

The paper recommends policy directions to deal with the emerging issue that may have globally far reaching consequences.

Citation

Shah Khan, S., Aziz Lodhi, S., Akhtar, F. and Khokar, I. (2014), "Challenges of waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) : Toward a better management in a global scenario", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 166-185. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-12-2012-0077