Volume 60, Issue 335, May - August 2024

Development of a sustainable ewaste management system in Estonia

Seyi Rachel Dada¹, Ademola Adegoroye^2♦, Odunayo Rofiyat Olaniyan³

¹Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
²Department of Business Administration, University of Fairfax, Virginia, USA
³School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom

^♦Corresponding Author
Department of Business Administration, University of Fairfax, Virginia, USA

ABSTRACT

The growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) has prompted the need for sustainable management practices. Since 2005, e-waste has been acknowledged as both a challenge and an opportunity, yet its full business potential remains largely unrealized. This study examines the current state of e-waste management in Estonia, aiming to identify pathways towards a more sustainable framework. The research examines global management systems and applies this knowledge to the unique context of Estonia, identifying both the obstacles and potential solutions to the country's e-waste issue. Although Estonia is praiseworthy for its e-waste management within the European Union, the practice of exporting e-waste for recycling raises questions about long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility. The study utilizes data from the Estonian waste which unveils inconsistencies in the electronic waste collection process and a significant deficit in the recycling stage, which highlights the necessity for extensive reforms. The findings have been obtained through a thorough analysis of relevant literature and interviews with key stakeholders. To effectively address these challenges, a paradigm shift is necessary towards centralized collection systems, while also fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that can harness the economic potential of e-waste. This study highlights the pressing need to establish a robust and sustainable e-waste management system in Estonia, as it is crucial for global environmental protection efforts.

Keywords: E-waste management, sustainable practices, recycling challenges, environmental responsibility, Estonia

Discovery, 2024, 60, e18d1435

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v60i335.e18d1435

Published: 28 May 2024