A study on a systematic approach to manage used small home appliances

In Japan, the next targets of recycling law are small and medium sized EEE. Those products sometimes contain considerable amount of so-called precious metals and rare earths. Therefore, it is said recycling of those products can be a key to establish resource-efficient society. Social experiments were carried out in several regions in Japan. However, collection rates were insufficient. To make the new recycling system effective, it is necessary to take a strategic step to enhance better circulation. In this paper, the social system for recycling of small-sized EEE is analysed. By applying quantitative analysis to the e-waste flow model, the importance of the parameters such as collection rate, to reduce environmental impact and secure natural resources, will be clarified. Then, a proper counterplan to promote circular is suggested. The paper tries to conclude that such systematic approach would be helpful to find a good management strategy of small-sized e-waste.