IETC's Work on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
The International Environment Technology Centre (IETC) has undertaken various efforts to assist national and local governments and stakeholders into developing strategies and policies for the environmentally sound management of waste, including waste electrical and electronic equipment (E-waste).
Some of the major knowledge products related to E-waste derived from the previous work are listed below:
- Future E-waste Scenarios, 2019
- Global Mercury Waste Assessment, 2019
- Compendium of Technologies for the Recovery of Materials from WEEE/E-Waste: Final Report, 2016
- Global Waste Management Outlook, 2015
- Regional Waste Management Outlooks
- E-Waste Volume III: WEEE/E-waste “Take Back System”, 2012
- Guidelines for National Waste Management Strategies, 2013
- E-Waste Volume I: Inventory Assessment Manual, 2007
- E-Waste Volume II: E-waste Management Manual, 2007
Recent E-waste activities at IETC
E-waste foresight reports
IETC, in partnership with the United Nations University (UNU), has completed the first of two reports on e-waste to gauge how the e-waste stream changes in the near future. The first report was completed in October 2019, evaluates three different e-waste policy scenarios and their impact on e-waste generation in the near future.
The second report, "The Future of Electric Vehicles and Material Resources" highlights major opportunities and challenges in the mainstreaming of EVs; examines the sustainability case of EVs by focusing on material resources; and offers policy recommendations for ensuring the long-term resource sustainability of EVs.
In-country advisory services
IETC is supporting the Government of Sri Lanka in developing an action-oriented policy on E-waste management as part of the update of its National Waste Policy.
The policy will cover:
- institutional aspects,
- sustainable financing mechanisms,
- infrastructure,
- health and environment,
- gender,
- and stakeholder engagement.
Particular focus will be given to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) that involves the producers, distributors, and consumers of electrical and electronic equipment towards responsible and environmentally sound E-waste management. Alongside this initiative, an E-waste Academy will be organized in Sri Lanka to share knowledge and promote dialogue on E-waste challenges and solutions.
Participation in International Networks
IETC actively participates in the International E-waste Management Network led by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The network enables environmental officials around the world to exchange information and best practices on E-waste management. Also, the Centre provides expertise and knowledge on E-waste management at training courses organized by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and participates in expert groups on E-waste under the Basel Convention.
