A comprehensive process for the management of e-waste Proceso integral para la gestión de RAEE

Abstract

This research aims to design a comprehensive supply chain and reverse logistics process to incorporate some circular economy concepts to achieve efficient and sustainable management of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (e-waste or WEEE). The integration of these approaches uses the Design Thinking (DT) methodology. During the use of DT, it was possible to identify the needs and challenges of some crucial actors; some ideas were generated to solve the problem, and the need for a process to observe the entire cycle of WEEE to move from a linear economy to a circular economy emerged. The result was the creation of a comprehensive process showing how to execute this transition. The process was outlined in a diagram that includes seven phases: obtaining raw materials, manufacturing parts, manufacturing equipment, distribution, marketing, consumption, and management of e-waste. The process shows how to correctly reintegrate materials and components into the production cycle, minimizing the environmental impact and promoting the circular economy. This process is original since it has a sustainable approach considering the necessary stages to manage the e-waste efficiently.