Analysis of data on the generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment

Abstract

The amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is growing rapidly worldwide, outpacing the development of infrastructure for its collection and recycling. This aggravates environmental challenges and exacerbates the shortage of critical resources. The study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of approaches to WEEE management in Ukraine, the European Union, Africa, Latin America, the United States, Australia and Brazil. The study emphasised the identification of differences in regulatory approaches, collection rates, recycling methods, and formulating recommendations for the implementation of effective practices in the Ukrainian context. The methodology included a systematic analysis of the legislative framework, statistical methods for assessing the dynamics of WEEE generation and collection, a comparative geographical analysis of national models, and a content analysis of regulatory documents. The study demonstrated that the EU has the most structured waste management model based on the principle of extended producer responsibility, but even with clear standards in place, collection rates are significantly lower than target values. In the US, WEEE management is fragmented and lacks uniform federal regulation, which makes it difficult to compile reliable statistics. Australia demonstrates the effectiveness of co-regulatory approaches, while Brazil demonstrates the unique integration of the informal sector into the official reverse logistics system. A comprehensive combination of legislative, infrastructural and behavioural dimensions of EPR management in five countries with different economic models is considered. The practical significance of the study is determined by the formulation of recommendations for Ukraine on the implementation of extended producer responsibility, the development of a monitoring system, increasing market transparency and adapting successful international instruments for the transition to a circular economy.