IETC's Work on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
IETC has undertaken various efforts to assist national and local governments and stakeholders to develop strategies and policies for the 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 and the United Nations University (UNU) have completed the first of two reports on e-waste where we try to gauge how the e-waste stream change in the near future. The first report was finished in October 2019 and assesses three different e-waste policy scenarios and how they would affect 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 has initiated an activity to develop an action-oriented policy for E-waste management in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is currently updating its National Waste Policy and during the process, it was agreed to develop a sub-sector policy on e-waste. Using this opportunity, IETC will support the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen e-waste management in the country by developing an action-oriented policy on E-waste management. The policy will cover issues including institutional aspects, sustainable financing mechanisms, infrastructure, health and environment, gender, and stakeholders. Particular focus will be given to extended producer responsibility which involves the producers, distributors, and consumers of electrical and electronic equipment towards responsible and environmentally sound E-waste management. In conjunction with the new e-waste strategy, an “E-waste Academy” will be held in Sri Lanka to provide knowledge and facilitate discussion regarding e-waste management, and the new strategy specifically.
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 and participates in expert groups on E-waste under the Basel Convention.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Shunichi Honda
shunichi.honda[at]un.org
