Network design problems in e-waste management

Abstract

Electronic waste (E-waste) has been increasing rapidly with the impact of economic and population growth, technological developments, industrialization, and urbanization. E-waste has hazardous substances with damaging effects on human health and the environment. It also contains a considerable amount of valuable materials such as precious metals. Hence, recovering E-waste is crucially important within the framework of social, economic, and environmental incentives. Due to regulations, specified recovery targets and responsibilities of stakeholders such as producers, distributors, consumers, municipalities, and waste treatment plants should be considered in order to ensure sustainable E-waste management. Therefore, stakeholders need to design and optimally manage their E-waste management networks. This chapter aims to guide stakeholders how to design and manage their networks, according to regulations for the fulfillment of obligations and process efficiency. © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.