Electronic product design for end-of-life management: a policy perspective

The authors are participants in two multi-stakeholder dialogues: Western Electronic Product Stewardship Initiative (WEPSI) and National Electronic Product Stewardship Initiative (NEPSI). Both dialogues are scheduled to be completed by fall, 2002. These ongoing processes engage manufacturers, suppliers, recyclers, nonprofit organizations, and government in exploring the benefits of a shared-responsibility product stewardship framework for electronics. The authors here explore ideas and options that have come out of the ongoing WEPSI multi-stakeholder process. These ideas do not necessarily reflect the full consensus support of all stakeholders, nor have they been finalized as a recommended approach by WEPSI participants. These ideas are the authors´ and are presented with the intent of receiving critical review and suggestions.