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Article
Publication date: 2 August 2013

Towards an e-waste management framework in Kenya

Jecton Anyango Tocho and Timothy Mwololo Waema

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of e-waste management practices in Kenya and selected countries. It develops an ideal regulatory framework for e-waste…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of e-waste management practices in Kenya and selected countries. It develops an ideal regulatory framework for e-waste management in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted for this paper includes collecting data using interviews, direct observation and literature review. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used.

Findings

Waste is an emerging stream of solid waste in Kenya. It has become a major concern due to the high volumes generated, its hazardous fractions and the lack of policies applicable to its disposal. Gaps are identified in the areas of awareness levels, e-waste management technology, financing, collection, disposal, monitoring, and stakeholder collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

The study area is limited to Nairobi and its environs. With regard to product, the paper focuses on ICT equipment.

Practical implications

The proposed framework has direct practical policy implications to manufacturers who ought to reduce e-waste from production, consumers who should adopt safe disposal practices, recyclers/informal actors who ought to use environmentally friendly methods and government agencies that enforce e-waste policies.

Social implications

Adoption of the proposed framework has positive socio-economic impacts on job creation, reduced crime and sound environmental management.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the body of knowledge on the e-waste problem from the perspective of developed as well as developing countries. It points out best practices for socio-economic development and fronts arguments for sustainable environmental management.

Details

info, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/info-05-2013-0028
ISSN: 1463-6697

Keywords

  • Kenya
  • Information technology
  • Communication technologies
  • Computers
  • Computer peripheral equipment
  • Computer hardware
  • Legislation
  • Waste management
  • Communication Commission of Kenya
  • Stakeholders
  • Basel Convention
  • E-waste

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Article
Publication date: 17 June 2019

Electronic waste management and sustainable development goals: Is there a business case for linking the two?

Kalyan Bhaskar and Bipul Kumar

The purpose of this study is, first, to understand if the firms are displaying integrated approach toward electronic waste management and sustainability and, second, is…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is, first, to understand if the firms are displaying integrated approach toward electronic waste management and sustainability and, second, is there a business case for linking e-waste management with sustainable development goals (SDGs) pronounced by the United Nations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts an extensive literature review to gather perspective from multiple disciplines and also carries out content analysis of annual reports/sustainability reports of the firms.

Findings

Bulk consumers have sustainability policies and/or strategies but many of these firms have not linked their e-waste management with their sustainability strategies practices. Also, based on the elaboration of different perspectives, this study provides an integrative framework that suggests focus of a particular perspective on a given SDG and commensurate business approach by the firms to find a synergy between the two.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a wider perspective on the subject of electronic waste management and its linkage with SDGs to create business case, thus opening up many theoretical avenues.

Practical implications

The policy like extended producers’ responsibility has a clear practical implication in terms of creating reputational capital for the firms by linking electronic waste management and SDGs.

Social implications

The SDG, detailing clean water and sanitation by asking firms not to pollute water bodies by dumping the waste, has clear social implications.

Originality/value

This study is first of its kind to explore the linkage between electronic waste and SDGs to understand the business case. It also throws good insights on whether the firms use integrated approach toward electronic waste management and sustainability.

Details

Journal of Indian Business Research, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JIBR-01-2018-0051
ISSN: 1755-4195

Keywords

  • Electronic waste
  • Business sustainability
  • Sustainable development goals
  • Extended producer responsibility

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Article
Publication date: 2 September 2014

Understanding public knowledge and awareness on e-waste in an urban setting in India : A case study for Delhi

Swati Kwatra, Suneel Pandey and Sumit Sharma

Despite legislation in place, there is still a gap in knowledge and awareness of the communities on the issues of e-waste handling and management. It is important to…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite legislation in place, there is still a gap in knowledge and awareness of the communities on the issues of e-waste handling and management. It is important to understand the knowledge and awareness levels of the consumers of electronic products who ultimately become the generators of e-waste in a community. The current study is based on a survey conducted in an urban setting to understand people's perception about the genesis of issues related to e-waste and its management. The purpose of this paper is to study the findings that could help in designing customized awareness programmes for addressing this concern more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted in Delhi to understand public knowledge and awareness related to e-waste management in the city and country. A limited random survey was conducted with a sample size of 400 individuals in Delhi from middle class belonging to different educational backgrounds and professions. Personal interview method was used to collect in-depth information related to the issues of e-waste and its management. A questionnaire was developed and pilot tested before actual start of the survey. The questionnaire consisted of two sections – first about baseline information related to their age, family size, family income and educational background and second on their knowledge and awareness regarding e-waste and its management. Also, the practices they followed regarding e-waste at their household level were enquired. The questionnaire consisted of both open-ended and close-ended questions. Most of the questions had multiple-choice options, which made it easy for the respondents to answer them appropriately. The open-ended question gave the respondents ample time and space to express their views. The open-ended questions besides strengthening the close-ended questions provided a lot of qualitative information and made the study interesting. Apart from just interviewing, informal interactions were also used as a tool for data collection. During the course of the study, informal interactions were done with respondents to familiarize them with the objectives of the present study, their role and benefits to them from the study.

Findings

The present study aimed to gauge the awareness levels and practices of people regarding e-waste management. The survey conducted in Delhi revealed that significant fraction of middle-class population is still unaware of the issue; however, on getting the information they were able to link the impacts of improper management of e-waste with detrimental health outcomes. For those who knew about it, the main sources of information to them were found to be internet, and print media. However, despite some awareness about the issue, most respondents were totally unaware about correct ways of its recycling and management. An important finding of the study was that 12-26 per cent people replace their major electronic goods like refrigerators, food processors, personal computers and music systems within the first three years of purchase. Discarding products within their periods of useful lives leads to enhanced generation of e-wastes. Along with e-waste generation, this also puts additional stress over the resources used for manufacturing of these products. On management of e-waste, most of the respondents opined of need of having efficient recycling units and effective mass awareness programmes. The survey also revealed the willingness of users to pay extra cost for proper management of e-waste provided that there is proper cost sharing between consumers and producers. This also raises an important aspect of extended producer responsibility (EPR). EPR puts additional responsibility and onus on the manufacturer of the product to not only produce durable quality of products but also take back the obsolete products and manage the e-waste. This also means that the manufacturers will have to use recyclable material in manufacturing of new products for economic management of e-waste at the later stage. Although, in Indian context it would be a challenge to implement the concept of EPR, especially with the active informal sector. The respondents quite adequately put equal responsibilities on the government, consumers and producers for effective e-waste management. The study clearly highlights the issues perceived by the middle-class population of Delhi and can be replicated in other major cities for re-authentication of the facts. The study could prove to be important in designing awareness programme related to the issue.

Originality/value

This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey-based study that was employed to understand the perception of a sample of respondents. Analysis of the data reveals that the knowledge on the issue of e-waste is minimal and requires massive awareness drives for senitization.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-12-2013-0139
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

  • Awareness
  • Recycling
  • Survey
  • India
  • E-waste
  • New Delhi

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Article
Publication date: 29 November 2018

Case study analysis of e-waste management systems in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and India: A RADAR chart approach

Karishma Chaudhary and Prem Vrat

The purpose of this paper is to analyze e-waste management systems in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and India and benchmark best practices in the Indian scenario.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze e-waste management systems in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and India and benchmark best practices in the Indian scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the research paper focuses on the description of e-waste management systems in the above-mentioned countries using a case study analysis approach while the second part analyzes, evaluates and compares e-waste management systems performance based on seven performance indicators using a five-point scale. Finally, the RADAR chart approach is used to benchmark the best practices of e-waste management in these countries in the Indian scenario.

Findings

The study finds that India is lagging far behind from Germany, Switzerland, and Japan in e-waste management despite being the fifth largest e-waste generator across the globe. India must adopt best practices followed in these nations like a dedicated agency to oversee and coordinate the e-waste management, coordination among different value chain partners involved in e-waste management, development of infrastructure to collect and process e-waste, monitoring and control of all processes and stakeholders, etc.

Practical implications

The study suggests the solution to the loopholes in the Indian e-waste management system by adopting the collection, recycling and reporting mechanism followed in German, Swiss and the Japanese e-waste management system. There is a dire need to improve e-waste management systems in India as only 5 percent of e-waste is processed through the organized sector.

Social implications

E-waste is increasing at an alarming rate and most of e-waste in India is being handled by the unorganized sector, where rudimentary methods are used to process e-waste severely damaging the environment and health of workers. The unorganized market employs 0.5m child laborers. Hence, routing the e-waste to the organized sector will result in social benefits by putting a check on unsafe practices and will create green jobs.

Originality/value

This paper’s contribution lies in extracting the best practices followed in nations excelling in e-waste management and recommend their implications in the Indian scenario. This study is aimed at all the stakeholders, but especially at policy-makers and producers, who have the onus to tackle the e-waste problem.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 9
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-07-2017-0168
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

  • Japan
  • India
  • Germany
  • Switzerland
  • E-waste
  • RADAR chart

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Article
Publication date: 19 June 2020

A proposed sustainable and digital collection and classification center model to manage e-waste in emerging economies

Yigit Kazancoglu, Melisa Ozbiltekin, Yesim Deniz Ozkan Ozen and Muhittin Sagnak

This study aims to propose an electronic waste collection and classification system to enhance social, environmental and economic sustainability by integrating data-driven…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose an electronic waste collection and classification system to enhance social, environmental and economic sustainability by integrating data-driven technologies in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

GM (1, 1) model under grey prediction is used in this study in order to estimate the trend of the amount of collected electronic waste in emerging economies.

Findings

It is revealed that the amount of collected electronic waste is increasing day by day, and within the framework of sustainability in the process of collecting and classification of electronic waste, digital technologies were found to be lacking. It has been determined that this deficiency, together with the increasing amount of electronic waste, has caused environmental, social and economic damage to emerging economies.

Originality/value

The main originality of this study is integrating electronic waste collection and classification processes with data-driven technologies and sustainability, which is a relatively new subject.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-02-2020-0043
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

  • Digitalization
  • Data-driven technologies
  • Sustainability
  • Waste management
  • Electronic waste
  • Forecasting
  • Grey method

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Article
Publication date: 15 May 2020

Analyzing the intention of the households to drop off mobile phones to the collection boxes: empirical study in Malaysia

Rafia Afroz, Mohammad Muhibbullah, Puteri Farhana and Mohammad Niaz Morshed

To achieve proper waste management, the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) is one suitable method. Most developing countries, including Malaysia, are facing lack of…

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Abstract

Purpose

To achieve proper waste management, the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) is one suitable method. Most developing countries, including Malaysia, are facing lack of e-waste recycling facilities and low household participation. Using a survey method using a questionnaire, this study aims to examine the intention of Malaysian households to drop-off their mobile phones to the nearest collection boxes (n = 600).

Design/methodology/approach

This study expanded the theory of planned behavior by adding environmental awareness and knowledge. In addition, the cost of disposal and the convenience of the available disposal infrastructure were measured as two parts of the perceived behavioral control.

Findings

The results of this study show that environmental knowledge and awareness have a significant impact on attitudes toward recycling intention of the households. In addition, it was also found that the attitude and cost of disposal infrastructure is positively related to household intention.

Originality/value

These results show that if e-waste collection boxes are provided to the nearest community and e-waste management information is distributed, this will increase household participation in e-waste management.

Details

Ecofeminism and Climate Change, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EFCC-03-2020-0004
ISSN: 2633-4062

Keywords

  • Theory of planned behavior (TPB)
  • Structural equation modeling (SEM)
  • Mobile phone
  • E-waste recycling

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Article
Publication date: 9 January 2009

E‐waste and the sustainable organisation: Griffith University's approach to e‐waste

Georgina Davis and Malcolm Wolski

This paper seeks to provide details of Griffith University's (GU) approach for sustainably dealing with electronic waste (e‐waste) and the benefits of using the e‐waste…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide details of Griffith University's (GU) approach for sustainably dealing with electronic waste (e‐waste) and the benefits of using the e‐waste programme as a valuable educational case study for ESD.

Design/methodology/approach

The e‐waste programme is explained with reference to key resources and literature, so as to provide a practical approach for any organisation looking to sustainably manage its e‐waste stream. The rationale and structure for the e‐waste educational case study is also presented so that other academics may use it as a template or study aid within their own teaching.

Findings

The paper provides references to web resources and GU internal resources so that readers can access valuable information, and to show how those resources can be applied to their own organisation. The paper also identifies and discusses the factors which may hinder the implementation of a sustainable e‐waste programme.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has been written to be as succinct and as accessible to readers as possible and, as such, has not presented each of the aspects of the sustainable e‐waste programme in depth. This information, for those requiring more detail, is accessible through the resources presented.

Practical implications

The paper is a useful source on how e‐wastes can be sustainably managed by Universities and presents a modelled approach.

Originality/value

This paper highlights an individual response to an increasingly complex and potentially polluting and unsustainable waste stream. It provides a practical institution‐wide approach for dealing with e‐wastes; and in particular, raises the awareness of the issues associated with e‐waste to those institutions who may not be aware.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14676370910925226
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

  • Sustainable development
  • Australia
  • Universities
  • Waste handling

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Article
Publication date: 22 February 2013

E‐waste economics: a Nigerian perspective

Amanze Rajesh Ejiogu

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on the e‐waste topic, highlight the economic arguments for dumping e‐waste in developing countries and examine the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on the e‐waste topic, highlight the economic arguments for dumping e‐waste in developing countries and examine the issues around the e‐waste problems in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted is based on a review of existing literature, personal observation and interviews.

Findings

Electronic waste, or e‐waste, has emerged as a major problem in quite a number of developing countries, as well as an opportunity for development and economic growth. As a result of its high toxic content, it creates problems of environmental pollution and is a hazard to human health when not handled properly. However, there is a huge demand for good quality, second‐hand equipment in developing countries and there seem to be strong economic arguments for exporting scrap electronic and electrical equipment to those countries. The e‐waste trade has grown in Nigeria, causing several socio‐economic problems.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on e‐waste in developing countries, especially Nigeria. It provides insight into the economic arguments that encourage the continuance of the e‐waste problem.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831311303083
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

  • Developing countries
  • Electronic equipment and components
  • Scrap
  • Dumping
  • E‐waste
  • Nigeria
  • Economics
  • Poverty
  • Corruption

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Article
Publication date: 31 May 2019

e-Waste trading zones and the economy of greening: Imbricating computer sourcing in the pre- and post-WEEE Directive era

Alison F. Stowell and Martin Brigham

In the context of the environmental impacts caused due to the increasing volumes of discarded technologies (e-Waste), this paper aims to critically evaluate whether…

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Abstract

Purpose

In the context of the environmental impacts caused due to the increasing volumes of discarded technologies (e-Waste), this paper aims to critically evaluate whether environmental policy, the Waste of Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) legislation in particular can contribute to a shift in logic from neoliberal growth to green growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon empirical research, this paper shows how three computer waste organisations evolve through the imbrication of pre- and post-policy logics in collaborative and heterogeneous ways to create an “economy of greening”.

Findings

Extending the concept of a fractionated trading zone, this paper demonstrates the heterogeneous ways in which computer sourcing is imbricated, providing a taxonomy of imbricating logics. It is argued that what is shared in a fractionated trading zone is a diversity of imbrications. This provides for a nuanced perspective on policy and the management of waste, showing how post-WEEE logics become the condition to continue to pursue pre-WEEE logics.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses on three organisations and the EU 2003 and UK 2006 versions of the WEEE legislation.

Practical implications

The research findings have important implications, more specifically, for how e-Waste policy is enacted as an “economy of greening” to constitute managerial and organisational adaptation needed to create a sustainable economy and society.

Originality/value

This paper’s contribution is threefold. First, theoretically, the literature on trading zones and imbrication is extended by considering how they can complement one another. Our focus on imbrication is a “zooming in” on the managerial and organisational implications and dynamics of a trading zone. Second, the literature on imbrication is added to by identifying a diverse range of imbricating logics that can be used to discern a more nuanced understanding of the translated effects of policy. Last, these ideas are ground in a relevant empirical context – that of e-waste management in the UK, providing a deeper knowledge, over time, of specific actors’ translations of policy into organisational practices.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SBR-12-2017-0114
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

  • e-Waste
  • Institutional logics
  • Environmental policy
  • Fractionated trading zone
  • Imbrications

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Article
Publication date: 13 July 2020

Reducing e-waste in China's mobile electronics industry: the application of the innovative circular business models

Alastair Marke, Carmen Chan, Gozde Taskin and Theo Hacking

The objectives of this research are to (1) fill the evidence gap of circular business activities and (2) enrich the knowledge base about the drivers of and barriers to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The objectives of this research are to (1) fill the evidence gap of circular business activities and (2) enrich the knowledge base about the drivers of and barriers to circular economy business model (CEBM) that supports e-waste reduction in China’s mobile electronics industry. To answer the overarching research question of whether there are CEBMs emerging to address e-waste in China’ mobile electronics industry, we in this paper divided it into three sub-questions: (1) What CEBMs can support e-waste reduction? (2) Is there evidence for their implementation in China? and (3) What are the drivers of and barriers to these business model innovations?

Design/methodology/approach

We started with setting the scene on the importance of better e-waste management and the scale of e-waste problem in China. Building on the oft-quoted ReSOLVE framework, developed by EMF (2015) and consolidated in Lewandowski (2016), we have refined from it 11 CEBMs to suit the context of e-waste reduction. These 11 models include regenerate, life cycle extension, take-back services, product sharing systems, optimise resource value, produce on demand, circular supplies, resource recovery, industrial symbiosis, product-as-a-service and transformative innovation. We have mapped these refined models against the evidence of circular business practices identified in the corporate sustainability reports of eight out of top 12 mobile electronics manufacturers in China.

Findings

Our research findings show that six out of these 11 CEBMs are de facto practised in many of these companies. They include life cycle extension, collection services, optimise resource value, circular supplies, resource recovery and industrial symbiosis, although circular economy is still early-stage endeavours in the industry. As confirmed in our expert and company interviews, CEBM stems largely from profit and policy drivers. The key to building successful CEBMs to eliminate e-waste is, indeed, multi-stakeholder collaboration across the mobile electronics industry, which involves effective collection, reuse and recycling systems.

Originality/value

The lessons learnt can promote peer learning among EEE manufacturers and inform policymakers of effective strategies to create an enabling environment in which circular economy models can thrive.

Details

Asian Education and Development Studies, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-03-2019-0052
ISSN: 2046-3162

Keywords

  • China
  • Sustainability
  • Business model
  • Recycling
  • Circular economy
  • Electronic waste

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