Uncertainties in the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment: a literature review

Abstract

A systematic literature search has been conducted at the intersection of e‐waste and uncertainty and the mai n uncertainties identified have been categorized. The main uncertainties identified were: Different recycling technolog ies; unknown environmental impacts; different product design and composition; unknown reverse logistics costs; vari able cost of recycling; rapidly changing nature of electrical and electronic equipment; unpredictability about return o f items concerning quantity, quality and timing; unknown destination flow of e‐waste; different value of scrap mater ials; competition between the manufacturer and the remanufacturer; no common legislation at the national and global level ; outdated political aspects; and complexity of regulation