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After-Life of Mobile Phones: Waste or Return to Production?

Author

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  • Parvez Alam
  • Ann George

Abstract

This study extends the understanding of global production network (GPN) analysis by considering the post-consumption activities of the product in question, namely mobile phones. The authors examine the production networks involved in mobile waste treatment and the employment conditions in these networks. Also, in a context where e-waste management raises questions on environmental pollution and health, they examine how far Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) operates in India. They find the post-consumption activities of mobile phones to be highly dynamic. This point is illustrated by the existence of a vibrant secondary market for mobile phones refurbished from the discarded ones, the recent trend of recycling of mobile waste, the discovery of the high value of its components, and the growing trade of mobile waste, though it is still a small component of the entire e-waste.

Suggested Citation

  • Parvez Alam & Ann George, 2015. "After-Life of Mobile Phones: Waste or Return to Production?," Working Papers id:7185, eSocialSciences.
    • Handle: RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:7185
    Note: Institutional Papers
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joonkoo Lee & Gary Gereffi, 2013. "The co-evolution of concentration in mobile phone global value chains and its impact on social upgrading in developing countries," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series ctg-2013-25, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    2. Resmi Bhaskaran & Dev Nathan & Nicola Phillips & C. Upendranadh, 2013. "Vulnerable workers and labour standards (non-)compliance in global production networks: home-based child labour in Delhi’s garment sector," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series ctg-2013-16, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    3. Balwant Singh Mehta, 2013. "Capabilities, costs, networks and innovations: impact of mobile phones in rural India," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series ctg-2013-29, GDI, The University of Manchester.
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