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RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
New Insights into Electronic Waste Recycling in Metropolitan Areas
Article first published online: 25 SEP 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2012.00525.x
© 2012 by Yale University
Issue
1530-9290/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=fe53f4c362f619ba455ed94bedec53f6886dd4f3 "Journal of Industrial Ecology")
Journal of Industrial Ecology
Special Issue: Sustainable Urban Systems
Volume 16, Issue 6, pages 940–950, December 2012
Additional Information
How to Cite
Leigh, N. G., Choi, T. and Hoelzel, N. Z. (2012), New Insights into Electronic Waste Recycling in Metropolitan Areas. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 16: 940–950. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2012.00525.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 12 DEC 2012
- Article first published online: 25 SEP 2012
Funded by
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI)
- Materials Use: Science, Engineering, and Society (MUSES). Grant Number: 0628190
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- extended producer responsibility (EPR);
- industrial ecology;
- input-output model;
- recycling economics;
- sustainable industrial systems;
- urban regions
Summary
Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is a critical sector for sustainable urban industrial systems. U.S. residents and businesses generate an estimated 3.2 million tons of electronic waste each year; most is not recycled and is generated in urban areas. However, adoption of state environmental regulations for e-waste recycling is increasing. Between 2003 and mid-2011, 25 states passed e-waste laws. There are a growing number of e-waste collectors and certified processors in U.S. urban areas. While the landscape of e-waste recycling is changing, there is little analysis on the economic impacts of this industry. The research presented here synthesizes e-waste management policy developments and growth of the e-waste recycling industry. We present an economic impact analysis at the metropolitan level through constructing an extended input-output (IO) model that specifies an e-waste recycling sector. In a case study, we examine changes in e-waste recycling activities in the Seattle metropolitan area and provide simulation results of new regional economic impacts.