The situation of waste mobile phone management in developed countries and development status in China

Waste Manag. 2016 Dec:58:341-347. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2016.08.037. Epub 2016 Sep 3.

Abstract

With the rapid development of electronic industry and improvement of living standards, a large number of waste mobile phones were generated. According to statistics, approximately 400million waste mobile phones are generated each year in the world, and 25% of that are contributed by China. Irregular disposal of waste mobile phones will do great harm to environment and human health, while at the same time recycling of them has the potential for high profits. Given the enormous quantity, great harm and resource properties, developed countries have taken necessary measures to manage waste mobile phones. As the largest developing country, China has also set out to pay close attention to waste mobile phones. This paper reviewed the situation ofwaste mobile phone management in the developed countries, focused on the development of waste mobile phone management in China, and analyzed existing problems. In light of the successful experience of the developed countries, some suggestions were proposed to promote the waste mobile phone management in China and worked as a valuable reference for other countries.

Keywords: Law; Management; Recycling; Waste mobile phone.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Phone*
  • Developed Countries
  • Developing Countries
  • Electronic Waste*
  • European Union
  • Japan
  • Recycling
  • Switzerland
  • United States
  • Waste Management / economics
  • Waste Management / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Waste Management / methods*