Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE): flows, quantities and management, a global scenario

Abstract

This chapter aims to reveal the geographies of ewaste flows at global and national levels based on waste statistics data and thematic cartography. WEEE management practices are examined for each major geographical area respectively: Europe, North America, Latin America and Caribbean, South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Pollution and public health threats associated with improper ewaste management practices is a crucial environmental issue, particularly in emerging economies. Generation, collection, treatment, recycling and recovery activities of WEEE fraction are analyzed within each geographical area. The role formal and informal sector is further investigated pointing out the gaps and different prospects in development of sustainable ewaste management systems across developing and developed countries.