Electronic Waste Management and Sustainable Development (2nd Edition)

Dear Colleagues,

E-waste (electronic waste), which is also known as 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 and 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. Better understanding and management of e-waste could contribute to the achievement of several 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.

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 generate valuable insights to help policymakers, industries, and consumers implement low-carbon management methods to achieve a sustainable future.

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.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Yan Xu
Dr. Ling Zhang
Guest Editors

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• e-waste/waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
• sustainable development
• circular economy
• zero waste
• sustainability
• recycling technology and innovation
• waste management policy and regulation
• low-carbon recycling awareness and behavior
• waste to energy
• waste to resource