University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Franziska Howorka
(2011):
Understanding the Barriers to Recycling of Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Abfallwirtschaft (ABF-BOKU),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 101.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- This project investigates on the recycling of Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in the United Kingdom and Austria and its associated barriers. The aim was to identify and understand these barriers by analysing and comparing the WEEE recycling systems in the two countries considered. A critical analysis of how the EU WEEE regulation is beeing implemented in both countries as well as an analysis of the differences in the collection and treatment systems and the WEEE market has been carried out. Furthermore a case study has been undertaken to find out on how the Austrian waste management associations, compliance schemes and the Austrian economy are facing the new challenges of the WEEE Recast. The project discloses that while in the UK a more market-based approach has been chosen for implementing the EU WEEE regulations, in Austria it has been implemented with a more regulative approach. Further differences are deriving from economic and political nature as well as from socio-economic reasons. Barriers to recycling can be found along each stage of the product life cycle, for example in the production stage, where the absence of recycling oriented design leads to recycling inefficiency. Barriers in the collection stage include missing knowledge and awareness by the consumers, which leads to inefficient collection procedures. Concerning the treatment stage, non-appropriate technologies lead to environmental contamination and valuable material loss. In order to overcome these barriers, a balanced system between penalties and incentives has to be found, good public communications have to be applied and the best available technologies have to be provided. Last but not least, to ensure efficient recycling a whole product life-cycle management approach is of crucial importance.
- Beurteilende(r): Salhofer Stefan Petrus