The flow of E-waste material in the Asian region and a reconsideration of international trade policies on E-waste

Journal Article · Thu Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2008.04.004· OSTI ID:21180403

Shinkuma, Takayoshi ^[1]

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1. Faculty of Economics, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate-cho, Suita-shi, Osaka, 564-8680 (Japan)

End-of-life home appliances discarded in Japan are reused in Southeast Asia; end-of-life computers are reused in China. E-waste scrap generated in Asia is recycled in China, especially in Guangdong Province. The informal sector in that province has been recycling E-waste scrap and its improper recycling methods have caused serious pollution. In response to this problem, there is wide support for a total ban on E-waste trade, including secondhand items and E-waste scrap. Alternatively, we recommend the establishment of an alternative proper recycling system in Asia that needs cooperation among all Asian countries. First, China is urged to promote proper domestic recycling activities by providing a subsidy for proper recycling. Second, Japan, as a main exporter of E-waste, should establish a traceability system that ensures E-waste scrap exported from Japan will be recycled at proper recycling facilities in China.

• OSTI ID: 21180403
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 29; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
APPLIANCES
CHINA
COMPUTERS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
JAPAN
RECYCLING
REGIONAL COOPERATION
SCRAP
TRADE
VIET NAM