Advances in Electronic Waste Management and Sustainability

Dear Colleagues,

E-waste (electronic waste), which is also known as the waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide. As predicted by the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, global e-waste is predicted to reach 74.7 Mt by 2030, being fueled by higher electric and electronic consumption rates, shorter lifecycles, and limited repair options. E-waste is currently destined for appropriate recycling and disposal, being one of the largest known sources of pollutants in municipal waste, as well as a secondary source of various valuable materials and metals. Proper “e-waste mining” can reduce the pressure on natural resources, alleviate the problem of space in landfill sites, and cut the emission of pollutants, contributing to the circular economy and sustainable development. However, when inadequately treated, the heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants released can be redistributed, bioaccumulated, and biomagnified, potentially harming human health and contaminating air, water, and soil.

The e-waste problem has attracted the attention of many countries and regions around the world. An increased understanding and the better management of e-waste could contribute to the achievement of several of the goals (SDGs 3, 6, 8, 11, 12, and 14) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To this end, a number of initiatives have been implemented, such as the EPR, RoHS, StEP, and 3Rs programs, to facilitate the development of recycling infrastructure and technology, effective policies and legal instruments, and low-carbon behaviors among manufacturers and consumers. However, effective global e-waste management practices are still hampered by many financial, technological, legislative, and managerial barriers. For example, as indicated by the literature and past field investigations, developed economies with established waste management systems are struggling due to the complex nature of e-waste, while developing economies are in desperate need of effective laws and strategies to promote formal e-waste management. Thus, it is of strategic significance for policymakers and practitioners to find solutions capable of overcoming e-waste-related barriers and challenges, thus achieving sustainable e-waste management.

Emerging technologies and digital transformation are reshaping the e-waste landscape, presenting both new challenges and unprecedented opportunities. The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence systems, and renewable energy technologies has created new categories of e-waste that require specialized handling approaches. At the same time, Industry 4.0 technologies, such as blockchain, machine learning, and automated sorting systems, are revolutionizing e-waste management through improved traceability, predictive analytics, and the precise recovery of critical materials. The integration of digital twins and smart sensors in recycling facilities enables the real-time monitoring and optimization of resource recovery processes, while advanced material characterization techniques improve the identification and separation of rare earth and precious metals.

The growing importance of climate resilience and environmental justice has highlighted the need for equitable e-waste management solutions that take into account e-waste’s disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Recent research has focused on the development of community-level recycling models, green job creation in the e-waste sector, and the role of informal recyclers in sustainable waste management systems. The emergence of extended producer responsibility 2.0, which includes digital product passports and the integration of lifecycle assessments, represents a paradigm shift towards more comprehensive accountability mechanisms. In addition, the intersection of e-waste management with the security of critical materials, supply chain resilience, and geopolitical considerations has become increasingly important in the context of the global sustainability transition.

This Special Issue intends to draw attention to the need to address e-waste management problems based on diverse perspectives. It aims to initiate worldwide discussions regarding the future challenges and opportunities related to e-waste mining, as well as to generate valuable insights to help policymakers, industries, and consumers implement low-carbon management methods to achieve a sustainable future. In particular, this Special Issue advances global sustainability by transforming electronic waste from an environmental burden into a strategic resource. Environmentally, it promotes circular economy principles through urban mining, critical material recovery, and AI-driven recycling technologies that reduce the extraction of primary resources and minimize ecological impacts. Socially, the focus on environmental justice and community-based models ensures equitable sustainability transitions while creating green employment opportunities in both formal and informal sectors. Economically, research on extended producer responsibility 2.0, digital product passports, and blockchain transparency creates market incentives for sustainable design and responsible end-of-life management. By addressing the intersection of technology, policy, and social justice, this Special Issue directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals and contributes to building resilient, climate-adapted systems for a sustainable digital transformation.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following subjects:

• E-waste management policies and initiatives;
• Technologies and innovations in e-waste recycling, recovery, and treatment;
• Strategies and methods used in e-waste collection, reduction, and recycling;
• Activities, behaviors, and responsibilities of stakeholders (e.g., governments, recycling industry, producers, consumers, etc.) involved in e-waste management;
• Strategic/operational planning and decision-making in the e-waste recycling industry;
• Economic, environmental, social, and health impacts of e-waste;
• Circular economy, low-carbon development, and zero-waste cities;
• E-waste management in the digital age;
• E-waste transboundary movement and recycling in developing countries.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in e-waste sorting and processing;
• Blockchain technology for e-waste traceability and supply chain transparency;
• Digital product passports and lifecycle assessment integration;
• Critical materials recovery and rare earth element recycling;
• IoT and smart device end-of-life management;
• Community-based and informal sector integration in e-waste management;
• Environmental justice and equitable e-waste solutions;
• Climate resilience and adaptation strategies in e-waste infrastructure;
• Green job creation and workforce development in the e-waste sector;
• Extended producer responsibility 2.0 and advanced accountability frameworks.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Yan Xu
Dr. Ling Zhang
Guest Editors

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