Constructed Governance as Solution to Conflicts in E-Waste Recycling Networks

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become an increasingly pressing problem worldwide because of the increase in the volume of waste, without a corresponding increase in the recycling rate. E-waste recycling models show a low percentage of reuse, at around 17.4% in the world, 11% in Latin America, and 3% in São Paulo City, Brazil. The sources of conflicts relating to e-waste recycling networks are diverse, including asymmetries of objectives, knowledge, ethical values, and culture of sustainability, which indicates the need for a system of regulatory mechanisms. The article’s main proposition is that constructed governance, which is a collective process involving many actors, could be an alternative to e-waste recycling management. The city of São Paulo was chosen to be analyzed. Using an abductive methodology, the data analysis shows a fragmented network, with conflicts of interest among commercial and sustainability objectives, an absence of legal knowledge, and increases in the incorrect disposal of waste. However, initiatives in small groups in Brazil, which can be considered as examples of constructed governance, show a better volume of waste and the transportation of waste material to the right destination. The authors argue that constructed governance could be an efficient tool for e-waste recycling management systems. Besides, the article offers a matrix of indicators that can be used by both researchers and recycling managers.

E-Waste Management: An Analysis under the Perspective of Conflicts and Shared Responsibility

“…For the management and treatment of conflicts involving e-waste, we elaborated Table 3, identifying the papers, authors, the InOrdination index, the conflicts, and the actors involved in these conflicts. In general, as seen in [18], the sources of conflicts regarding e-waste include disagreements concerning objectives, knowledge, ethical values, and a culture of sustainability.…”

“…Following flowchart, we start this process of defining the decision makers: According to [18] actors of all segments, as government, civil society, industry, and the third sector may be involved in this process. However, due to the number of actors, we cite as main decision makers: consumers (DM1), governments (municipal, state, and federal) (DM2), and companies (manufacturers/recyclers/distributors) (DM3).…”

“…In [14], the authors listed a series of papers that address the main obstacles to the correct disposal of electronic waste: economic barriers [25], management barriers [26]. Additionally, there may be cultural, educational, or consciousness-related issues [18].…”

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE): global and contemporary challenge to production chains and the urban environment

“…At the regional level, São Paulo State (São Paulo, 2020a) updated its State Solid Waste Plan in 2020 and maintains its commitment to reverse logistics for WEEE, which, among other measures, sets down the conditions for environmental licensing for EEE producers to implement reverse logistics systems. The city of São Paulo, which is a major generator of WEEE, at approximately 534,000 t per year (Rodrigues et al, 2020), of which around 3% is recycled (Pedro et al, 2021), established in 2020 through Law No. 17,471, in parallel with state legislation, compulsory reverse logistics for WEEE by producers, importers, distributors and traders in proportion to the products marketed in the municipality and with their own resources.…”

Complexity of E-Waste and its Management Challenges in Developing Countries – A Review

“…Solution to the challenges of e-waste require technical considerations. However, in most cases, legal framework, collection, logistics, and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied [20,24]. This review paper seeks to provide an overview of the challenges facing the management of e-waste in developing countries.…”