Management of scrap computer recycling in Taiwan
1Department of Environmental Engineering, Da-Yeh University, 112, Shan-Jeau Rd., Dah-Tsuen, Chang-Hwa, Taiwan. chl@aries.dyu.edu.tw
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|April 7, 2000
Summary
Taiwan faces challenges in managing 300,000 yearly scrap computers due to limited disposal facilities. A producer responsibility recycling program was implemented in 1998 to address hazardous waste and promote computer recycling.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
- E-waste Recycling
Background:
- Taiwan generates approximately 300,000 scrap personal computers annually.
- Limited landfill and incineration capacity pose disposal challenges.
- Hazardous materials in e-waste risk environmental pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline Taiwan's current scrap computer recycling system.
- To detail the implementation of producer responsibility for e-waste.
- To inform stakeholders about mandated recycling items.
Main Methods:
- Review of Taiwan's environmental regulations regarding e-waste.
- Description of the producer responsibility recycling program implemented in 1998.
- Identification of mandated recyclable computer components.
Main Results:
- Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) mandated producer recycling responsibility in July 1997.
- A formal producer responsibility recycling program launched on June 1, 1998.
- Six computer items are currently mandated for recycling: notebooks, monitors, hard disks, power supplies, printed circuit boards, and main frame shells.
Conclusions:
- Taiwan has established a producer responsibility system to manage scrap computers.
- The program incentivizes consumer participation through reward money.
- The system aims to mitigate environmental risks associated with e-waste disposal.
