Evaluating the Dutch WEEE System transition to CE 3.0: Maximising products value retention with a focus on ICT product category

Abstract

Developed countries have achieved significant results for waste management by the implementation of Circular Economy (CE) principles. Legislative proposals that promote higher efficiency on waste prevention and management provide better alternatives to the "take-make-dispose" model. The Netherlands is considered a frontrunner country on the application of CE principles on the waste framework. However, the country has focused on material collection and recycling, still relying on practices promoted by CE 2.0 principles. The Dutch WEEE System transition to adopt CE 3.0 principles can stimulate consumption reduction, materials reuse and strategies that encourage materials’ higher value retention. Therefore, this study analyses how the current Dutch WEEE System, focusing on the product category ICT, can be improved to focus on products and materials towards higher value retention options, including reducing resource inputs and prioritizing shorter loops. This research's methodology consists of evaluating the WEEE policies and its translation into the Dutch WEEE operational system, as well as verifying system's compliance with CE principles. Furthermore, stakeholders’ opinions about the system are also considered. However, based on the multi-level perspective (MLP), socio-technical configurations influence the successful adoption of higher value retention activities by the WEEE System. The data analysis is based on literature review, WEEE legislation at EU and Dutch levels and stakeholder interviews. Hereafter, as a result, this research proposes four measures to promote higher retention options in the WEEE System: (1) a clear definition of circular actions; (2) officially recognising all the stakeholders present at the system, such as repair cafes; (3) requiring information reports from all stakeholders involved in any circular action; and (4) establishing targets for other circularity actions besides recycling and recovery. Improvements regarding the legislation and system’s process considered the challenges imposed by socio-technical factors that influence the WEEE System. Financial incentives to promote circularity actions, promotion of business models, and consumer's responsibility are economic and social factors that can act as relevant barriers to the Dutch WEEE System fully transition into the adoption of CE 3.0 concepts.