WEEE; Material Circularity; Sustainability; Generation Estimate; Challenges and Opportunities; Resource Recovery

Waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) includes everything from large and small household appliances, computer and information and telecommunication (IT) equipment to automatic distributors when they reach the end of their useful life. The management of WEEE is significantly more complex due to its unusual chemical composition and fast and increasing evolution and premature disposal. In the last few years, both developed and developing countries have been looking for solutions to deal with the problems caused by the growing flow of electronic waste (both in quantity and toxicity). In general, these solutions are based on reducing resource exploitation through the reuse, repair, or recycling of this waste. Given this, the circular economy emerges as a viable solution to mitigate the negative impacts caused by the growing production of WEEE, mainly due to the heterogeneous and complex composition of these wastes. Thus, it is necessary to enhance the current WEEE management system through the implementation of material circularity practices (such as minimization, product design planning, reuse, recycling). To establish legal and operational mechanisms and instruments that favor material circularity in the WEEE stream, it is crucial to present an overview of the generation and disposal profile of this solid waste stream. In this way, it is possible to estimate the potential for material recovery and the potential environmental, economic, and social benefits. However, for this to be possible, critical factors are needed that can lead to the success or failure of a system focused on extracting materials from WEEE. Among these factors, one can mention available technologies and appropriate infrastructure, specialized technical knowledge in recovery processes, the implementation of stricter laws, operational costs of the recovery system, and active consumer participation. Therefore, overcoming challenges related to WEEE requires a comprehensive approach involving the government, private sector, and civil society.