Closing the loop: A comprehensive exploration of Taiwan's e-waste to resource conversion journey

Taiwan stands as a significant player in the global electronics market, capitalizing on its technological prowess and manufacturing capacities. Projected to achieve a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2%, reaching an impressive USD 145.11 billion by 2030, the island nation profoundly influences the industry's trajectory. By 2022, consumer electronics are forecasted to attain a valuation of USD 1056.6 billion, with exports surging to USD 15 billion in 2019 and expected to further grow by USD 3.8 billion within the subsequent five years. However, amidst this surge in electronic consumption, a formidable challenge looms-the accumulation of obsolete electronic waste (e-waste)-a menace to human health, ecological equilibrium, soil vitality, and aquatic ecosystems. The inclusion of heavy and rare metals in e-waste complicates recycling efforts but simultaneously presents economic opportunities through extraction. Taiwan responded to global calls for sustainable waste management in 1998 by instituting a regulated Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling scheme. Despite its technological acumen, Taiwan grapples with managing a burgeoning volume of outdated electronics. As the WEEE recycling market nears saturation, recent innovative regulatory endeavors aim to confront these challenges. This review delves into Taiwan's e-waste management landscape, scrutinizing regulatory intricacies, prevailing challenges, and future trajectories. By highlighting Taiwan's pivotal role, this initiative aligns with the UN agenda 2030 for sustainable development, envisioning a triumphant WEEE recycling system and nurturing a comprehensive circular economy.