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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 14 May 2021

Daniel Côté, Sylvie Gravel, Stéphanie Gladu, Bouchra Bakhiyi and Sabrina Gravel

This article explores the protective measures and the occupational health and safety (OHS) prevention strategies in place in the formal electronic equipment recycling (e-recycling

Abstract

Purpose

This article explores the protective measures and the occupational health and safety (OHS) prevention strategies in place in the formal electronic equipment recycling (e-recycling) industry, more specifically in the Greater Montreal area (Quebec, Canada) and their consequences: health inequalities and level of compliance with environmental standards.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted using two respondent-specific questionnaires, one for workers and one for supervisors. Data collection and analytic procedures drew from qualitative content analysis. It was tempted to identify differences in OHS practices in relation to the workers' employment status and to link the companies' OHS concerns to their level of compliance with environmental standards.

Findings

The article highlights specific OHS issues in the formal e-recycling industry. Enforcing compliance with environmental standards as a lever for promoting OHS appears to be a promising strategy. Another main finding was the workforce diversity and related OHS vulnerabilities in this industry and the challenges they pose to employers' ability to adequately and equally reach and protect all workers involved.

Originality/value

To date, too little attention appears to have been paid to working conditions and worker protection in this rapidly growing sector. Specific prevention programmes could be implemented and adapted to the industry's diverse workforce and its multiple OHS vulnerabilities. This issue calls for the international community to take responsibility, as many electronic waste (e-waste) generated worldwide is shipped to developing countries, where lack of regulation and control is much more striking in a sector that remains very largely informal.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2009

Kwok Hung Lau and Yiming Wang

The purpose of this paper is to report on research undertaken to investigate whether current reverse logistics theories and models can be totally applied in developing countries…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on research undertaken to investigate whether current reverse logistics theories and models can be totally applied in developing countries like China using the electronic industry as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted with information collected from company web sites, direct observation, and in‐depth interviews with four major consumer electronic product manufacturers in China. Findings were analyzed and compared across all the cases studied to determine the common external and internal drivers for reverse logistics implementation as well as the obstacles faced by the whole electronic industry. A comparison with the literature was made to identify the gaps between current theories and models and actual practices in China.

Findings

The findings suggest that while reverse logistics drivers vary from company to company, barriers to reverse logistics are common and are mainly external. The major difficulty in implementing reverse logistics in the electronic industry of China is the lack of enforceable laws, regulations or directives to motivate manufacturers. Furthermore, economic support and preferential tax policies are absent to help manufacturers offset the high investment costs of reverse logistics. Low public awareness of environmental protection and underdevelopment of recycling technologies are also some of the obstacles to widespread reverse logistics implementation. The findings also reveal the presence of linkages between the various external factors that are not fully explored in current reverse logistics models.

Research limitations/implications

The study corroborates the application of transaction cost economics and resource‐based view theory to account for the different approaches to reverse logistics adopted by firms in developing countries. It also reveals a need for further research on the linkages between external factors affecting reverse logistics implementation. The four case studies of large corporations are drawn from a Chinese setting in which implementation of reverse logistics is still in an early stage. The complex nature of China's transitional economy and political considerations may influence the perspectives and practices of small manufacturers in the management of environmental issues thus limiting the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

The study reveals the problems encountered in the implementation of reverse logistics in China and proposes measures to expedite the development.

Originality/value

This paper presents a systematic analysis of the external and the internal factors affecting reverse logistics implementation in developing countries like China. It reveals the need to investigate the linkages between the various external factors that are less explored in current reverse logistic theories and models. The study also identifies the major drivers and obstacles faced by the industry, a clear understanding of which might facilitate the formulation of appropriate nation‐wide reverse logistics policy and strategy through the support of the government and the investment of the manufacturers.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2018

Davis Souza Alves and Milton Carlos Farina

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that define the management practices of a center of electrical and electronic waste and of reuse of equipment aiming to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that define the management practices of a center of electrical and electronic waste and of reuse of equipment aiming to contribute to the sustainable development. It is known that the effort to achieve the green IT, including recycling and sustainable disposability of equipment does not follow the same pace as industry production.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the existing sustainable development, on the computer equipment and its composition and in the disposal of electronic waste as literature of orientation. The center for disposal and reuse of the information technology waste from a Brazilian university was approached by the methodology of qualitative case study.

Findings

The research revealed some findings related to the concepts of integrated waste management, product life cycle assessment, stakeholder involvement and inventory and information system of electrical and electronic equipment.

Research limitations/implications

The research involved the analysis of documents and the website of the center and the technician responsible for the center was interviewed. The results can contribute as a benchmark for other universities and organizations who intend to create or implement a center for collection and recycling of computer equipment.

Practical/implications

The paper shows the importance of communication and relationship between the center and the units of the university and with the stakeholders related to the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management.

Originality/value

The study has its focus on a more comprehensive WEEE approach that shows insights that can be used or adapted to any university or even companies.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2006

Louise Canning

The purpose of this article is to provide an application of network literature that can be used for teaching and learning purposes.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an application of network literature that can be used for teaching and learning purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The information used to present the case study is drawn principally from documentary evidence as well as discussions with a phone manufacturer, retailer and waste management company.

Findings

Describes the role of key actors in the development of “circular” supply chains for mobile phones and outlines two recovery and reuse/recycling schemes, one which operated as a trial (having been initiated by mobile phone manufacturers) and one which has functioned as a commercially viable arrangement since 2002 and is led by waste management and retail firms. The two schemes demonstrate ways in which various parties seek to influence the behaviour of others as well as changes (both temporary and permanent) in the activities performed by and connections between parties.

Research limitations/implications

Whichever way various companies choose to deal with electronic waste, one factor remains constant, namely that collection schemes are of little value without consumer involvement. The case study would have benefited from empirical research of consumer awareness of and propensity to contribute to phone collection schemes.

Practical implications

A valuable illustration for teachers and students of “markets as networks” using a problem which is prevalent in any geographic location. The case could also be used as a vehicle for students to design and conduct research into consumer disposal of discarded phones and awareness of/propensity to make use of available recovery and reuse/recycling schemes.

Originality/value

Requires the reader to think beyond linear supply chains and shows how network literature can incorporate consumers and organisational actors alike. The UK perspective provides a useful teaching/learning tool by describing how discarded mobile phones are handled. In addition to this, the case study could be used as a starting point from which to investigate how networks are organised in other geographic locations for dealing with this same problem.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2022

Sonal Thukral, Deep Shree and Shakshi Singhal

With the rapid increase in the consumption of electrical and electronic innovations, responsible management and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) or waste electrical and…

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Abstract

Purpose

With the rapid increase in the consumption of electrical and electronic innovations, responsible management and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been a significant concern for the governments, stakeholders, researchers and industry practitioners around the world. Consumer awareness, disposal behaviour and perception are chief facets of designing sustainable management strategies. Although researchers have widely studied e-waste over many years, the research focusing on consumer awareness about e-waste recycling has gained momentum recently. This paper aims to systematise the existing literature and explore future research prospects on household e-waste sorting behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Web of science (WoS) core collection was searched using selected keywords to identify relevant articles published from 2001 to 2021. The search resulted in 1,156 research articles published from 2001 to 2021. After a detailed study, 85 articles were shortlisted for in-depth review. The review was conducted based on global trends, top journals, most prolific authors, most active e-waste research countries, and institutions centring on consumer participation in e-waste disposal and recycling behaviour. The present research has also identified around eleven factors that seem to have a bearing on consumer behaviour towards storage, disposal and recycling of e-waste.

Findings

E-waste research has gained increased attention in the last five years. The majority of the studies has focused on motivational factors and ignore the risks associated with handling e-waste. The present study reports the pertinent issue of lack of awareness among the masses about e-waste handling and disposal. Thus, bringing to the fore the lack of awareness programmes and initiatives. The analysis presents the gaps in the literature and future research agendas.

Originality/value

The review article will help in providing an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour towards storage, disposal and recycling of e-waste and delineates the future direction of research that may be undertaken in this field of study.

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2021

Sylvie Gravel, Daniel Côté, Stéphanie Gladu, France Labrèche, Sabrina Gravel, Bouchra Bakhiyi and Joseph Zayed

The electrical and electronic recycling industry is experiencing significant growth while paying no particular attention to the health and safety of recycling workers. Who are…

Abstract

Purpose

The electrical and electronic recycling industry is experiencing significant growth while paying no particular attention to the health and safety of recycling workers. Who are these recycling workers? How are they recruited and trained in OHS measures? This article will attempt to answer these questions.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of a toxicological study carried out on five companies, samples were taken from employees (n = 100) and their working environment. Among them, 26 workers and six managers also participated in interviews on the management of OHS preventive practices. This article presents analyses of the recruitment strategies for these workers and the management of preventive measures.

Findings

The main findings were that preventive practices vary according to the company's social mission and recruitment strategy. OHS preventive practices vary among the companies, even though the workers are similarly exposed to multiple contaminants. Precarious employment relationships put these workers in a vulnerable position.

Originality/value

Although recycling electrical and electronic equipment (e-recycling) has been an ecological and moral concern in Western societies for several decades, occupational health and safety (OHS) management in recycling plants has received little attention.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2004

Martin Goosey

Increasing awareness of man's impact on the environment and pressure to behave in a more sustainable manner are encouraging both the recycling and reuse of materials and the…

2004

Abstract

Increasing awareness of man's impact on the environment and pressure to behave in a more sustainable manner are encouraging both the recycling and reuse of materials and the replacement of hazardous chemicals with more benign ones. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and the Restriction on the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive, have recently been adopted into law with the specific intention of further encouraging these activities through legislation. In addition to these directives, there is a growing need to adopt sound design principles so that new products are created in a more environmentally acceptable way and that their environmental impact throughout their lifecycles is minimised. This paper gives an overview of this new European legislation and discusses its impact on the electronics industry. The potential benefits of adopting such an approach are outlined.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2021

Anna Yakovlieva, Sergii Boichenko, Utku Kale and András Nagy

The purpose of this study is to analyze existing policies, methods and technologies, which are aimed at the rational and proper handling of decommissioned aviation transport…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze existing policies, methods and technologies, which are aimed at the rational and proper handling of decommissioned aviation transport means, determination of the world trends and substantiation of the prospects for implementation of utilization and recycling programs in the aviation industry. This research is devoted to problems of utilization and recycling of decommissioned aircraft and its components: features of proper handling of aviation industry vehicles are considered; the analysis of existing methods and technologies aimed at the rational and correct handling of the end-of-life aircraft is carried out; the necessity of the introduction of the system of complex utilization of aviation equipment is substantiated; the ecological and economic problems connected with the utilization and recycling of aviation vehicles, their units and units are considered; and the relevance and feasibility of introducing recycling programs in the field of aviation industry waste management are substantiated.

Design/methodology/approach

Problems of utilization and recycling of decommissioned aircraft and its components are considered in this research. The analysis of existing methods and technologies aimed at the rational and correct handling of the end-of-life aircraft is carried out. In addition to this, the ecological and economic problems connected with the utilization and recycling of aviation vehicles, their units and parts are considered. Moreover, the relevance and feasibility of introducing recycling programs in the field of aviation industry waste management are substantiated.

Findings

In this study, the life cycle of aircraft is carried out and analyzed. The existing methodologies and approaches to end-of-life aircraft recycling and utilization are presented in this paper. The experience of the leading organizations in the sphere of decommissioned aircraft recycling, such as Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association and Process for Advanced Management of End-of-Life Aircraft, are considered as well. Environmental and economical benefits to aviation and neighbor industries, arising from the introduction of aircraft recycling systems, are shown.

Originality/value

The existing experience of leading companies in the aviation and aircraft recycling industry is accumulated and analyzed to show and propose the general methodology for the development and implementation methodology of end-of-life aircraft recycling and utilization.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2023

Tejendra Singh Gaur, Vinod Yadav, Sameer Mittal and Milind Kumar Sharma

Waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment, collectively known as E-waste, remains a persistent environmental, economic and social problem. Sustainable E-waste…

Abstract

Purpose

Waste generated from electrical and electronic equipment, collectively known as E-waste, remains a persistent environmental, economic and social problem. Sustainable E-waste management (EWM) has numerous benefits, such as preventing electronic waste from entering landfills, reducing the need for virgin materials by recovering valuable materials from recycling and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Circular economy (CE) practices are considered the initial steps toward sustainable EWM, but some hurdles have been reported in the adoption of these practices. Therefore, the current study aims to identify the common CE practices, sustainability of the EWM process and the challenges in EWM, and to develop a conceptual framework for effective EWM.

Design/methodology/approach

Very few studies have proposed frameworks that acknowledge the challenges and CE practices of EWM. To fill this gap, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed, and 169 research articles were explored.

Findings

A total of seven challenges in the adoption of effective EWM were identified: rules and policy, infrastructure, consumer behaviour, informal sectors, community culture, technology and economy. Eight common CE practices were also found for effective EWM: reuse, recycle, remanufacturing, refurbishment, repair, reduce, recover and repurpose.

Originality/value

A conceptual framework guiding sustainable EWM was proposed, which includes solutions for the identified challenges, and CE practices with sustainable benefits.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

George K. Stylios

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…

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Abstract

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

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