Reverse Chain for Electronic Waste to Promote Circular Economy in Brazil: A Survey on Electronics Manufacturers and Importers

Abstract

Government requirements for the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) by electronics manufacturers and importers has raised some difficulties in structuring the reverse chain of WEEE in Brazil, notably due to the territorial extension of the country. The need to implement circular economy practices (CE) in the reverse chain of WEEE has been acknowledged as a key requirement for sustaining the international competitiveness of Brazilian companies. In this context, this study sets up to evaluate the flows of the reverse chain of WEEE, aiming to promote CE as well as its actions for the recycling, reuse, remanufacturing, and reduction of WEEE in Brazil. The study identifies and characterizes key manufacturing decisions for developing waste management capabilities, including the need for waste management responsibilities for installing and operating the collection points and transporting waste to recyclers. Likewise, the study highlights the relevance of the adoption of strategies for selling recycled materials to the secondary market, along with reusing and reducing the use of virgin materials. Initially, the managerial strategy is based on recycling and remanufacturing actions due to short-term monetary revaluation, in addition to the immediate resolution of the complex problem. It should be noted that the decision to outsource WEEE management does not exempt the manufacturer from reusing and reducing material consumption, an important contribution that must be taken into account in organizational practice, beyond the immediate resolution of the complex problem.