Proposal for used electronic products management in Mexicali

•A used electronic product management system is proposed for Mexicali, Mexico.•The proposed system is an outcome of field studies and incorporates best practices.•The optimal system integrates formal and informal actors in a hybrid approach.•The transition from decentralized to centralized phases re...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inResources, conservation & recycling advances Vol. 13; p. 200065
Main Authors Kahhat, Ramzy, Miller, T.Reed, Ojeda-Benitez, Sara, Cruz-Sotelo, Samantha E., Jauregui-Sesma, Jorge, Gusukuma, Marco
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 01.05.2022
Subjects
E-waste
Environmental impacts
Informal sector
Mexico
Recycling
Reuse
Waste management
WEEE
E-waste
Waste management
WEEE
Informal sector
Reuse
Environmental impacts
Mexico
Recycling
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:•A used electronic product management system is proposed for Mexicali, Mexico.•The proposed system is an outcome of field studies and incorporates best practices.•The optimal system integrates formal and informal actors in a hybrid approach.•The transition from decentralized to centralized phases requires financial support.•Broader implications for similar cities in the global south are expected from this e-waste management proposal. Mexicali, a Mexican city located near the US-Mexico border, has faced several challenges related to adopting an integrated e-waste management system. Thus, the main objective of this work is to propose a new system to be implemented in phases. The current system is evaluated using several methodological approaches including field studies, surveys, interviews, and quantitative modeling via material flow analysis. We suggest the need to properly integrate both the formal and informal sectors to achieve the optimal system that mitigates environmental impacts while preserving the positive social and economic traits of the current system. Thus, without supplanting the current reuse, refurbishment, repair and maintenance practices, a hybrid system is proposed, based on a centralized facility that primarily handles those parts or materials that create environmental impacts and health hazards if mishandled. Furthermore, a decentralized transition phase toward the new system is recommended.
ISSN:2667-3789
2667-3789
DOI:10.1016/j.rcradv.2022.200065