A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis for the Design of a Traceable and Sustainable Model for WEEE Information Management in Ecuador Based on the Circular Economy

Marlon Copara, Angel Pilamunga, Fernando Ibarra, Silvia-Melinda Oyaque-Mora, Diana Morales-Urrutia and Patricio Córdova ()
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Marlon Copara: Facultad de Ingeniería en Sistemas, Electrónica e Industrial, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador
Angel Pilamunga: Facultad de Ingeniería en Sistemas, Electrónica e Industrial, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador
Fernando Ibarra: Facultad de Ingeniería en Sistemas, Electrónica e Industrial, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador
Silvia-Melinda Oyaque-Mora: Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador
Diana Morales-Urrutia: Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador
Patricio Córdova: Facultad de Ingeniería en Sistemas, Electrónica e Industrial, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ambato 180207, Ecuador

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-36

Abstract: The rapid increase in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) creates major environmental and governance issues in developing countries like Ecuador struggle because they with minimal formal collection and recycling rates. This research presents a potential sustainable management approach that tracks products through their life cycles while following circular economy principles that include product extension and material extraction and waste minimization. A systematic literature review (SLR) using the PRISMA methodology combined with a bibliometric analysis found essential global strategies and technological frameworks and regulatory frameworks. The analysis of articles demonstrates that information management systems (IMSs) together with digital technologies and consistent regulations serve as essential elements for enhancing traceability and material recovery and formal recycling processes. A WEEE management IMS model was developed for the Ecuadorian market through an analysis of the findings; it follows a five-stage development process, starting from the technological infrastructure setup to complete data visualization integration. The proposed model is designed to enable public–private–community partnerships using digital tools that promote sustainable practices. The combination of circular strategies with traceability technologies and strong regulatory frameworks leads to improved WEEE governance, which supports sustainable system transitions in emerging economies.

Keywords: circular economy; circular model; e-waste; information management systems; sustainability; traceability; WEEE; WEEE Directive; Ecuador (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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