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

Author

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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
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Box 483, 541 24 Thessaloniki, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitrios Aidonis & Charisios Achillas & Dimitrios Folinas & Christos Keramydas & Naoum Tsolakis, 2019. "Decision Support Model for Evaluating Alternative Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management Schemes—A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:12:p:3364-:d:240721
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fleckinger, Pierre & Glachant, Matthieu, 2010. "The organization of extended producer responsibility in waste policy with product differentiation," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 59(1), pages 57-66, January.
    2. Sarkis, Joseph, 2000. "A comparative analysis of DEA as a discrete alternative multiple criteria decision tool," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 123(3), pages 543-557, June.
    3. Zuidwijk, Rob & Krikke, Harold, 2008. "Strategic response to EEE returns:: Product eco-design or new recovery processes?," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 191(3), pages 1206-1222, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Camelia Delcea & Liliana Crăciun & Corina Ioanăș & Gabriella Ferruzzi & Liviu-Adrian Cotfas, 2020. "Determinants of Individuals’ E-Waste Recycling Decision: A Case Study from Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-28, April.
    2. Felipe Seabra D’Almeida & Roberto Bentes de Carvalho & Felipe Sombra dos Santos & Rodrigo Fernandes Magalhães de Souza, 2021. "On the Hibernating Electronic Waste in Rio de Janeiro Higher Education Community: An Assessment of Population Behavior Analysis and Economic Potential," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-16, August.
    3. Hilal Shams & Altaf Hossain Molla & Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman & Hawa Hishamuddin & Zambri Harun & Nallapaneni Manoj Kumar, 2023. "Exploring Industry-Specific Research Themes on E-Waste: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-22, August.

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