Decision Support Model for Evaluating Alternative Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management Schemes—A Case Study

Dimitrios Aidonis, Charisios Achillas, Dimitrios Folinas, Christos Keramydas and Naoum Tsolakis
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Dimitrios Aidonis: Department of Logistics, Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia, 601 00 Katerini, Greece
Charisios Achillas: Department of Logistics, Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia, 601 00 Katerini, Greece
Dimitrios Folinas: Department of Logistics, Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia, 601 00 Katerini, Greece
Christos Keramydas: Department of Logistics, Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia, 601 00 Katerini, Greece
Naoum Tsolakis: Centre for International Manufacturing, Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), Department of Engineering, School of Technology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FS, UK

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 12, 1-13

Abstract: Waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a constantly increasing component of the total volume of municipal solid waste. E-waste streams are expected to continue escalating in the near future. The underlining paradox lies in the fact that end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment constitute a critical waste stream owing to the contained hazardous and toxic elements, but they also present an important source of valuable raw materials. Therefore, identification of alternative scenarios for integrated WEEE management is imperative. To that end, this research develops a methodological approach that focuses on determining the optimal WEEE management scheme, among available alternatives, applicable to the specific case of Greece. In particular, a binary linear programming model is formulated that maximizes the performance of 9 alternative WEEE management scenarios. The mathematical model considers 12 performance assessment criteria identified across financial, technical, social, and environmental dimensions. Priority levels are assigned to each criterion based on the input of 19 involved experts. A range of “what-if” analyses indicate that mechanical recycling of WEEE, in tandem with exporting of residues, is the most efficient e-waste management strategy in the case of Greece. The research findings indicate that the joint cooperation of all stakeholders, together with political will and effectiveness, is required for the integrated WEEE management at a national level.

Keywords: waste electrical and electronic equipment; e-waste management; decision support model; mathematical programming; Greece (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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