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Application of an Integrated Assessment Scheme for Sustainable Waste Management of Electrical and Electronic Equipment: The Case of Ghana

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  • Mentore Vaccari

    (CeTAmb LAB—Research Laboratory on Appropriate Technologies for Environmental Management in resource-limited Countries, University of Brescia, via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

  • Fabiola Zambetti

    (CeTAmb LAB—Research Laboratory on Appropriate Technologies for Environmental Management in resource-limited Countries, University of Brescia, via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

  • Margaret Bates

    (Faculty of Arts, Science, and Technology, the University of Northampton, Waterside Campus, University Drive, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK)

  • Terry Tudor

    (Faculty of Arts, Science, and Technology, the University of Northampton, Waterside Campus, University Drive, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK)

  • Teklit Ambaye

    (CeTAmb LAB—Research Laboratory on Appropriate Technologies for Environmental Management in resource-limited Countries, University of Brescia, via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

Abstract

The effective management of solid waste, including waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in developing countries poses significant challenges. This paper reports on the development and utilization of a multi-criteria tool to improve the management of WEEE in Agbogbloshie, in Ghana. The tool was able to successfully evaluate key economic, social and environmental factors faced by workers and to suggest areas for improvement. In particular, the evaluation and comparison of different scenarios suggested that the best solution is the evolution from informal to formal management of WEEE, with workers provided with personal protective equipment, and the introduction of refurbishment activities, with the sale of components in the second-hand market. While it would require further use in other contexts, the tool could be adapted and employed for a range of other waste streams and in other developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Mentore Vaccari & Fabiola Zambetti & Margaret Bates & Terry Tudor & Teklit Ambaye, 2020. "Application of an Integrated Assessment Scheme for Sustainable Waste Management of Electrical and Electronic Equipment: The Case of Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:8:p:3191-:d:345794
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cherubini, Francesco & Bargigli, Silvia & Ulgiati, Sergio, 2009. "Life cycle assessment (LCA) of waste management strategies: Landfilling, sorting plant and incineration," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(12), pages 2116-2123.
    2. Sunil Herat, 2008. "Environmental impacts and use of brominated flame retardants in electrical and electronic equipment," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 28(4), pages 348-357, December.
    3. Kenneth C. Robinson & Patricia Phillips McDougall, 2001. "Entry barriers and new venture performance: a comparison of universal and contingency approaches," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(6‐7), pages 659-685, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. 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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