An environmental and economic analysis of e-waste recycling based on the Japanese experience -Focusing on Flow Estimation

This presentation aims to analyze the Japanese system for recycling e-waste with regard to (1) 4 large-size items (TVs, Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, Washing Machines). We also consider (2) PCs, a separate issue. At the same time, we are seeking for suggestions for the better recycling of (3) small-size electronics (mobile phones, digital cameras, DVDs, etc.). The collection of 4 items of e-waste for Formal Recycling has been increasing because of the need to dispose of used analogue TV sets once they became obsolescent, but once this process comes to an end the numbers of sets collected will decrease. Because of their market value, more than half of the used company PCs are reused and exported. The Japanese Ministry of the Environment had proposed a new system for the Recycling of Rare Metals from Small Size Electronics. But this will require an adjustment of the collection and paying system of the 4 items.