| Urban Management: Developing Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Cities Co-edited by Wei-Qiang CHEN, Hua CAI, Benjamin GOLDSTEIN, Oliver HEIDRICH and Yu LIU |
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Spatiotemporal dynamics of city-level WEEE generation from different sources in China |
Wanjun WANG1, Yupeng LIU2, Kuishuang FENG3, Wei-Qiang CHEN2( ) |
1. Key Research Institute of Yellow River Civilization and Sustainable Development & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yellow River Civilization, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
2. Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
3. Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, USA |
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Abstract China stands as one of the leading producers of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), facing significant challenges in managing the substantial volumes generated. Despite existing regulations, the informal treatment of WEEE persists in some areas due to inadequate recycling networks at the city level. Consequently, there is a critical need for a detailed geographical mapping of WEEE generation to address improper disposal practices effectively. This study introduces the cMAC – EEEs (city Material Cycles and Manufactured Capital – EEEs) database, providing estimates of WEEE generation across approximately 300 prefecture-level cities from 1978 to 2017. It focuses on five commonly used types of electrical and electronic equipment (refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, computers, TVs) originating from three key sources (urban residents, rural residents, enterprises). The findings reveal (1) significant spatial variation in WEEE generation within China, with eastern and central city clusters identified as hotspots, particularly for urban residents and enterprises, while the western region exhibits the highest growth rate in WEEE generation, notably among rural residents. (2) The growth in obsolete computers and air conditioners is prominent, especially in rural areas and among enterprises, whereas the generation of obsolete TVs, washing machines, and refrigerators is leveling off and expected to decrease in some urban areas. (3) Enterprises account for a substantial portion of WEEE generation, though uncertainties exist, necessitating further refinement. The study highlights that less developed regions lack adequate recycling facilities, with specific limitations in refrigerators and air conditioners recycling capabilities. To enhance WEEE management, it advocates for increased interregional collaboration and capacity building in less developed areas. Additionally, the regulation of WEEE from private enterprises requires improvement. At the product level, a greater focus on recycling practices for refrigerators and air conditioners is recommended.
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| Keywords
WEEE
obsolete electrical and electronic equipment
urban mining
waste management
industrial ecology
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Corresponding Author(s):
Wei-Qiang CHEN
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Just Accepted Date: 24 April 2024
Online First Date: 03 June 2024
Issue Date: 26 June 2024
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