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What Goes in the Galapagos Does Not Always Come out: A Political Industrial Ecology Case Study of E-Waste in Island Settings

Author

Listed:
  • Melanie E. Jones

    (Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA)

  • María José Barragán-Paladines

    (Charles Darwin Research Station, Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz 200102, Galapagos, Ecuador)

  • Carter A. Hunt

    (Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, and Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802, USA)

Abstract

This study examines the challenges and opportunities of managing electronic waste (e-waste) in the Galapagos Islands, a globally significant yet vulnerable subnational insular jurisdiction (SNIJ). Drawing on theories of Circular Economy (CE) and Political Industrial Ecology (PIE), the research investigates the status of e-waste in the archipelago, the barriers to implementing CE practices, and the institutional dynamics shaping material flows. Using a mixed-methods approach—including archival analysis, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews with key informants from government, private, and nonprofit sectors—the findings presented here demonstrate that e-waste management is hindered by limited capital, infrastructure, public awareness, and fragmented governance. While some high-capital institutions can export e-waste to mainland Ecuador, most residents and low-capital entities lack viable disposal options, leading to accumulation and improper disposal. The PIE analysis yielded findings that highlight how institutional power and financial capacity dictate the sustainability of e-waste pathways, with CE loops remaining largely incomplete. Despite national policy support for CE, implementation in Galapagos remains aspirational without targeted financial and logistical support. This case contributes to broader discussions on waste governance in island settings and underscores the need for integrated, equity-focused strategies to address e-waste in small island developing states (SIDS) and SNIJs globally.

Suggested Citation

  • Melanie E. Jones & María José Barragán-Paladines & Carter A. Hunt, 2025. "What Goes in the Galapagos Does Not Always Come out: A Political Industrial Ecology Case Study of E-Waste in Island Settings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8704-:d:1759753
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marlon Copara & Angel Pilamunga & Fernando Ibarra & Silvia-Melinda Oyaque-Mora & Diana Morales-Urrutia & Patricio Córdova, 2025. "A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis for the Design of a Traceable and Sustainable Model for WEEE Information Management in Ecuador Based on the Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-36, July.
    2. P. J. Deschenes & Marian Chertow, 2004. "An island approach to industrial ecology: towards sustainability in the island context," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(2), pages 201-217.
    3. Paulina Poma & María Polanco & Karla Usca & Claudio Casella & Theofilos Toulkeridis, 2025. "An Evaluation of the Public Service of the Integrated Municipal Management of Urban Solid Waste in the Galapagos and the Amazonian Region of Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-27, January.
    4. Sohani Vihanga Withanage & Komal Habib, 2021. "Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Analysis: Two Under-Utilized Tools for Informing E-Waste Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-21, July.
    5. Kylie Ching Mun Wang & Khai Ern Lee & Mazlin Mokhtar, 2021. "Solid Waste Management in Small Tourism Islands: An Evolutionary Governance Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-26, May.
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