A Comparative Analysis of E-Waste Management Systems

PEHLİVAN M., AKKAYA Ş.

JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC POLICY RESEARCHES-IKTISAT POLITIKASI ARASTIRMALARI DERGISI, cilt.13, sa.1, ss.19-56, 2026 (ESCI, TRDizin)

Özet

Material resources are an important source of income and employment, forming the physical basis of the economy. Their value varies across countries regarding their physical and chemical characteristics, abundance, and rarity. Economic growth means increased demand for raw materials, energy, and additional natural resources. Therefore, the use of raw materials and the associated production and consumption processes have environmental, economic, and social impacts both within countries and across national boundaries. Ifthe product life cycle is not appropriately managed, there will be an increase in the quantities that end up as waste. Indeed, today, countries are facing an increasing problem that closely concerns both the economy and the environment. This problem involves waste electrical and electronic equipment. In today's economic landscape, e-waste is the fastest-growingtype of hazardous solid waste globally. Tackling this issue necessitates international collaboration, economic incentives that safeguard labour, and management strategies that reduce adverse effects on resources, the environment, and public health. Accordingly, the main goal of this study is to investigate e-waste management practices across selected countries (Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Ghana, India, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, T & uuml;rkiye, and the USA) and formulate policy recommendations.