E-waste

Collect more, treat better; Tracking take-back system performance for eco-efficient electronics recycling

Doctoral thesis (2014)

Authors

Contributors

A.L.N. Stevel (promotor)
Department
Department of Design Engineering (IDE) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2014 Wang, F.
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Published Date

21-03-2014

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Department of Design Engineering

Abstract

This dissertation establishes a methodology for evaluating the performance of take-back and treatment systems for end-oflife electronics (e-waste). First, a comprehensive classification is developed to fully understand the complex characteristics of e-waste. A multivariate model is then created to quantify e-waste generation for mapping e-waste flows and tracking the collection efficiency. A multidisciplinary approach is taken to assess the technical performance of e-waste treatment infrastructures, as well as environmental, economic and social impacts associated with them. The results from the model development and case studies demonstrate that the constructed methodology is effective to identify working priorities and intervention measures for improving system performance. The research conducted represents up-to-date knowledge of both scientific research and implementation experience in the field of global e-waste management. The outcomes can be used to facilitate the progress of upgrading take-back and treatment systems to improve eco-efficiency, for more collection and better treatment in both developed and developing countries.