Environmental and economic impacts of e-waste recycling: A systematic review

Abstract

The surge in information and communication technology devices, along with electronic vehicles, has led to an undesirable output: a considerable amount of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste poses environmental risks yet also contains recoverable valuable materials, including precious metals and rare earth elements. As such, the recycling of e-waste offers both environmental and economic benefits. Nevertheless, a substantial portion of e-waste remains unprocessed through official recycling channels, even in regions with stringent regulations like the European Union, where approximately 75% of e-waste is not properly managed. Moreover, the economic feasibility of recycling e-waste remains uncertain, necessitating an ongoing assessment to devise effective strategies. While numerous reviews have explored the environmental impacts of e-waste, comprehensive studies examining the economic implications are limited. This paper presents a critical and systematic review of 159 studies that evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of e-waste recycling. A structured search technique was employed, utilizing 216 keyword combinations to identify relevant studies. Research on environmental impacts has shown a lack of methodological diversity. In particular, non-LCA studies show a lack of focus on energy consumption and the potential for climate change. In addition, a significant number of environmental impact studies overlook economic impacts. Within economic analyses, it has been observed that many studies do not consider costs, and social costs are rarely considered. The review discusses barriers to e-waste recycling from social, technological, and behavioral perspectives. Furthermore, the paper discusses policy measures, financial incentives, and technical advancements to address these challenges.