A model for estimation of potential generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment in Brazil

Journal Article · Tue Feb 14 23:00:00 EST 2012 · Waste Management

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2011.09.020· OSTI ID:21612940

Magrini, Alessandra ^[1]; Mahler, Claudio Fernando ^[2]; Bilitewski, Bernd ^[3]

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1. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, COPPE, Energy Planning Department (Brazil)
2. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, COPPE, GETRES (Brazil)
3. Technical University of Dresden, Institute of Waste Management and Contaminated Site Treatment (IAA) (Germany)

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Literature of WEEE generation in developing countries is reviewed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We analyse existing estimates of WEEE generation for Brazil. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We present a model for WEEE generation estimate. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer WEEE generation of 3.77 kg/capita year for 2008 is estimated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Use of constant lifetime should be avoided for non-mature market products. - Abstract: Sales of electrical and electronic equipment are increasing dramatically in developing countries. Usually, there are no reliable data about quantities of the waste generated. A new law for solid waste management was enacted in Brazil in 2010, and the infrastructure to treat this waste must be planned, considering the volumes of the different types of electrical and electronic equipment generated. This paper reviews the literature regarding estimation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), focusing on developing countries, particularly in Latin America. It briefly describes the current WEEE system in Brazil and presents an updated estimate of generation of WEEE. Considering the limited available data in Brazil, a model for WEEE generation estimation is proposed in which different methods are used for mature and non-mature market products. The results showed that the most important variable is the equipment lifetime, which requires a thorough understanding of consumer behavior to estimate. Since Brazil is a rapidly expanding market, the 'boom' in waste generation is still to come. In the near future, better data will provide more reliable estimation of waste generation and a clearer interpretation of the lifetime variable throughout the years.

• OSTI ID: 21612940
• Journal Information: Waste Management, Journal Name: Waste Management Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 32; 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
BRAZIL
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
LATIN AMERICA
LIFETIME
MANAGEMENT
MARKET
REVIEWS
SOLID WASTES
SOUTH AMERICA
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES