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EPR Reference Database

Publication type: Academic Journal Article

A failing grade for WEEE take-back programs for information technology equipment

Abstract/summary

Product take-back (also called extended producer responsibility) has become a trend for dealing with the garbage resulting from categories of problematic products. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is one such category with computer equipment being of particular significance. This article provides a description of the European Union’s program to require the take-back of WEEE as well as the status of similar programs in Canada and the United States. It is concluded that although these programs meet the goal of reducing the quantity of hazardous materials going to landfills, they do not go to the root of the problem by means of preventive approaches that create more circular materials flows. Plastics used in WEEE pose a serious problem, as they are generally not recycled.

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Author(s)
Nina Nakajima
Willem H. Vanderburg
Journal
Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society
Year
2005
Volume and issue
25, 6
Pages
507-517
DOI
10.1177/0270467605282646
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0270467605282646
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