Circularity in the Danish WEEE Management System A study on emphasizing reuse of electronic equipment in Denmark

Idzerda, Sybren Douwe Frederik

4. Term

Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning, Master

2022

2022-06-02

70 pages

Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest growing waste streams. Proper waste management is required to reduce negative externalities from improper waste treatment. Recycling is currently the most common way of treating WEEE, even though reuse is more desirable in accordance to the principles of a more circular economy. In this thesis the prevalence of recycling over reuse is discussed and recommendations are proposed to increase preparation for reuse (PfR) and reuse in the Danish WEEE management system. This was done by carrying out a literature review and a series of interviews discussing the main constraints preventing reuse, possible improvements to the system, as well as providing examples of promoting reuse in other Member States. Based on these results, the main recommendations in this thesis are to promote a unified network of reuse centres in the Danish WEEE management system, increase harmonization of the WEEE Directive across Member States, implementation of modulated fees to promote ecodesign, the marking of electronic products to facilitate disassembly as well as demonstrating the product's effort in ecodesign, and to implement quotas on reuse targets.

WEEE ; WEEE Management System ; WEEE Directive ; Electronic products ; Reuse ; Repair ; Circular Economy ; Preparation for Reuse

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