Drivers and barriers to achieve a circular economy of small-IT : Case study from the city of Porto
Advances in digital electronics delivered small and portable gadgets, changing human interface with technology. Demand for new small devices of Information and Telecommunication Technology (small-IT) that have a short lifespan, like smartphones and laptops, creates flows and accumulation of electron...
| Veröffentlicht in: | Waste management & research : the journal of the International Solid Wastes and Public Cleansing Association, ISWA. - 1991. - 41(2023), 10 vom: 08. Okt., Seite 1594-1599 |
|---|---|
| 1. Verfasser: | |
| Weitere Verfasser: | , , , , , |
| Format: | Online-Aufsatz |
| Sprache: | English |
| Veröffentlicht: |
2023
|
| Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk: | Waste management & research : the journal of the International Solid Wastes and Public Cleansing Association, ISWA |
| Schlagworte: | Journal Article E-waste circular economy collection drivers and barriers recycling behaviour small-IT Metals |
| Zusammenfassung: | Advances in digital electronics delivered small and portable gadgets, changing human interface with technology. Demand for new small devices of Information and Telecommunication Technology (small-IT) that have a short lifespan, like smartphones and laptops, creates flows and accumulation of electronic resources. These include precious metals that show potential for Urban Mining and Circular Economy. To find out the extent of setting up an improved recycling, reuse and repair system, data collection was conducted through surveys, bin observations and social experiments. These methods enabled us to analyse stocks and flows, identify behavioural practices and map collection infrastructure. About 80% of domestic small-IT stocks are hibernated, meaning they could be directly reused or easily repaired. Results show four barriers that keep citizens from handing in their unused small-IT: Devices are kept as back-up, they contain sentimental value, citizens are suspicious of post-collection data confidentiality issues and there is a perceived high effort to recycle. Drivers to enhance circularity are: improving e-waste infrastructure, introducing economic incentives and raising awareness on environmental impacts of hibernated stocks. A more trustworthy and legitimate management system is expected to deliver safety and confidentiality of personal data and provide the quality that fits the expectations of citizens of a proper place to dispose of their valuable items |
|---|---|
| Beschreibung: | Date Completed 23.10.2023 Date Revised 23.10.2023 published: Print-Electronic Citation Status MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1096-3669 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/0734242X21994917 |