An investigation into Swedish E-waste collection and recycling system - A case study in Gothenburg

Abstract

With the fast growth of information communication technologies industry, the amount of electrical and electronic waste also increases quickly. If they are treated in wrong way, some hazardous components of E-waste might pollute environment and threaten human health. However, proper treatment can make E-waste become resource and be used again. In this context, collecting and recycling E-waste become more and more important. Sweden has one of the most efficient E-waste collection system in the world and the pattern of reverse logistics in Sweden has some reference for other countries and areas. Through examining relevant literatures and conducting a case study in Gothenburg, the second biggest city in Sweden, this thesis clarifies the entire reverse logistic process of E-waste and the some approaches of collecting E-waste from residents. Through analyzing the Swedish E-waste collection and recycling reverse logistics system, some insights which might be helpful are proposed and the limitations of this system also be pointed out to provide operators with improved directions. There are lots of countries and areas facing the requirement of collecting and recycling E-waste, and the experience from Swedish practice could give them some inspirations.