Is it possible for there to be a circular economy for E-Waste?

CBASS releases a position paper on the relationship between circular economy and e-waste highlighting that dealing with e-waste in isolation of the wider lifecycle of electronics and electricals is insufficient and can even be counter-productive to create a profitable and sustainable circular economy for the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector.

This position paper elaborates why this may be the case and highlights key policy and regulatory conditions needed to productively engage the private sector to create a true circular economy - one that not only resolves e-waste issues but also sustainably unlocks positive economic value for society.

Download the position paper here

Solving E-Waste Problems needs more than recyclers

Contrary to the common belief that recycling will solve e-waste issues, feedback from our ecosystem shows that a true circular economy involves much more diverse set of players. From product data capture, the intellectual property laws, sharing platforms, product as a service providers, insurance, there is more that meets the eye to make a circular economy possible. Watch our community member explain it here ion this video below.

Three fundamentals missing from establishing a circular economy for E&E

The position paper highlights three fundamentals that policy and regulatory frameworks need to address before active participation of the business community and effective implementation of a circular economy for electrical and electronics can be achieved.

The framing of circular economy away from waste management
The transboundary movement of products, components, parts and materials
The missing data infrastructure

Read the full content of the position paper here

Focussing on making implementation and execution REAL

Circular Business Association shares this position paper to present these views at an ecosystem level in order to trigger further conversations, especially with policymakers and regulators, to drive more coordinated and meaningful actions. As an ecosystem builder that works with multiple circular businesses, solution providers and talents, we invite you to join us in this transformative journey and make implementation REAL.

Find out how you can be part of the action here.

Acknowledgements

Circular Business Association would like to acknowledge the efforts of Chin Lijin, Ng Yee Luan, Leanne Ooi and Yasmin Yashodha in preparing the position paper. We also thank the many businesses who responded to our request for inputs. Special appreciation would also like to be made to Renewcell, Rentwise, Equalithium, i-Kitar, Terra Phoenix, Riiicycle, Alam Avani, and Lingon who spent time supporting the CBASS team with extensive experience and knowledge in the process of preparing this paper.