Roles of E-waste in a circular economy: EU-27

Abstract

This study intended to overview the e-waste or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in the EU-27, including the roles in a Circular Economy. There is a strong linear correlation between WEEE and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, there is no apparent trend when referring to the GDP per capita. A country with the highest GDP per capita (Luxembourg) is not the country with the highest WEEE (Sweden). Absolute GDP and Energy consumption are suggested as the suitable independent variables in estimating the amount of WEEE. Socioeconomic factors are deemed less relevant in determining treatment share, e.g. recycling rate, in the EU-27 countries. Although reuse and recycling are generally viewed as preferable in a circular economy, in some cases, replacing a new product could lead to a lower environmental footprint, whereas customised assessment is highly suggested. Extended producer responsibility targeting waste minimisation and improved recycling/mining approaches are the keys to mitigating the impact of WEEE in the EU-27 further.