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EPR Reference Database

Publication type: Academic Journal Article

Producer responsibility for e-waste management: key issues for consideration-learning from the Swiss experience

Abstract/summary

E-waste, a relatively recent addition to the waste stream in the form of discarded electronic and electric equipment, is getting increasing attention from policy makers as the quantity being generated is rising rapidly. One of the most promising policy options to address this issue is to extend file producers responsibility for their products beyond the point of sale, until end-of-product-life. This paper briefly introduces the concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and its applicability in the area of the end-of-life management of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE). It then examines the decade-long experience of Switzerland in using EPR to manage its e-waste, elaborating oil the experience of the Swiss system in overcoming specific issues, and finally wrapping lip with it synopsis of the lessons for policy makers. We consider each issue as an enquiry of questions confronting a policy maker and the choices that may present themselves. The five issues discussed are: (i) the challenges in getting an EPR based system started; (ii) Securing financing to ensure I self-sustaining and smooth functioning system: (iii) organising a logistics network for the take back and collection of the e-waste; (iv) ensuring compliance of the various actors involved; and finally (v) reducing the threat of monopolistic practices.

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Author(s)
Deepali Sinha Khetriwal
Philipp Kraeuchi
Rolf Widmer
Journal
Journal of Environmental Management
Year
2009
Volume and issue
90, 1
Pages
153-165
DOI
10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.08.019
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.08.019
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