Abstract
The effective management of solid waste, including waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in developing countries poses significant challenges. This paper reports on the development and utilization of a multi-criteria tool to improve the management of WEEE in Agbogbloshie, in Ghana. The tool was able to successfully evaluate key economic, social and environmental factors faced by workers and to suggest areas for improvement. In particular, the evaluation and comparison of different scenarios suggested that the best solution is the evolution from informal to formal management of WEEE, with workers provided with personal protective equipment, and the introduction of refurbishment activities, with the sale of components in the second-hand market. While it would require further use in other contexts, the tool could be adapted and employed for a range of other waste streams and in other developing countries.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Sustainability |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Apr 2020 |
Keywords
- developing countries
- e-waste
- material flow analysis
- participatory approach
- sustainability
- WEEE