Assessing resource benefit and carbon mitigation potential of China's electronic waste recycling

Hao Li, Pengru Fan, Kewei Xu, Bin Zhang and Zhaohua Wang

Journal of Industrial Ecology, 2025, vol. 29, issue 3, 924-936

Abstract: The majority of discarded electronic waste were idled or disposed informally especially in developing countries. Recycling and reuse of electronic waste not only helps alleviate China's heavy reliance on mineral resources but also contributes to carbon emission reduction and achieving carbon neutrality. In this regard, we have showcased the future potential for utilizing 10 types valuable bulk materials and rare metals under three recycling scenarios, as well as the corresponding carbon emission reduction outcomes, through developing an integrated assessment model toward waste recycling. The results indicate that with an increase in recycling rates, these materials can be formed into closed loops increasingly. By 2060, under the low‐recycling scenario, recycled resources can provide an average of 85% of raw materials for production. Under the medium recovery scenario, platinum and vanadium will form a closed production loop, while under the high‐recycling scenario, recycled resources can provide over 95% of raw materials for production, and in addition, plastics and palladium can also form closed loops. Further, 479.65 million, 538.64 million, and 586.08 million tonnes CO2 can be reduced by 2060 in the three recycling scenarios. This study provides policy implications of improving the recycling rate of electronic waste especially in developing countries, in order to promote their sustainable economic development and resource supply.

Date: 2025
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