An evaluation of legislative measures on electrical and electronic waste in the People's Republic of China

Journal Article · Thu Dec 15 04:00:00 EST 2011 · Waste Management

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2011.07.010· OSTI ID:21578451

Chung, Shan-Shan ^[1]

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1. Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong)

Graphical abstract: Highlights: > The most recent specific WEEE laws of China are reviewed and evaluated. > Take-back requirement is vaguely defined. > The 'environmental expiry date' requirement is redundant. > Use of a 'multiple enforcement body' approach has hampered enforcement. - Abstract: With the increasing number of recycling mishaps in connection with waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) in the People's Republic of China, it is imperative that the handling and recycling of WEEE be sufficiently regulated in China. Regulations covering three major issues, namely, take-back issues, controls on hazardous substances in WEEE and the assurance of good environmental management in WEEE plants, were promulgated between 2006 and 2008. The evaluation in this country report shows that few of these regulatory measures have performed satisfactorily in terms of enforcement, of public acceptance and of environmental concerns. In brief, the take-back requirements and the associated financial responsibilities are only vaguely defined; the control on hazardous substances and the so-called 'environmental expiry date' requirements cannot be properly enforced, and the resources needed to ensure the satisfactory enforcement of the environmental abatement and pollution control requirements in WEEE plants are overwhelming. In addition, the use of a 'multiple enforcement body' approach to the control of hazardous substances in WEEE is an indication that the Chinese government lacks the determination to properly enforce the relevant legal requirements.

• OSTI ID: 21578451
• Journal Information: Waste Management, Journal Name: Waste Management Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 31; ISSN WAMAE2; ISSN 0956-053X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
ASIA
CHINA
CONTROL
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENFORCEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATION
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
MANAGEMENT
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
POLLUTION CONTROL
RECYCLING
REGULATIONS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES