Global WEEE Management: Behavior and Future Projections

Abstract

The exponential growth in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) represents one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the modern era. This study analyzes historical trends in WEEE generation and treatment from 2010 to 2022, employing linear regression models to forecast future scenarios up to 2040. Findings reveal a consistent increase in WEEE generation, projected to exceed 100 million tons annually by 2040, with only marginal improvements in recycling rates. The analysis highlights a widening gap between discarded and treated WEEE, underscoring the need for enhanced recycling infrastructure, technological innovation, and policy enforcement. The study validates its models through comparative projections, demonstrating their reliability. The research emphasizes the urgency of aligning WEEE management with sustainability to address environmental risks.