Unravelling sustainable impediments in E-waste supply chain management: A Fuzzy-WINGS decision approach

A circular supply chain transition represents a significant sustainability step, which leads to resource optimization and longer product lifecycles. The electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sector focuses on end-product lifecycle management as electronic waste (e-waste) alongside recycling and recovery operations for supply chain inclusion of components. This transformation faces considerable difficulty, primarily in developing economies, due to structural, regulatory, and technological barriers. The study identifies key impediments in e-waste supply chain systems by analyzing social, economic, and environmental sustainability factors, government regulations, technological advancements, and operational challenges. Using multi-iteration fuzzy Delphi, the factors were refined to 14 critical impediments, which were then prioritized and evaluated through fuzzy WINGS (Weighted Influence Nonlinear Gauge System). The findings highlight key cause impediments, including the dominance of the informal sector in e-waste handling (IIS), Ineffective policies and regulations (IPR), and Insufficient supply of e-waste to formal recycling centers (ISS), which significantly disrupt the efficiency of formal recycling processes. A comparative analysis with fuzzy DEMATEL revealed discrepancies in the influence of certain impediments, while sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness and stability of the model. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, government bodies, and industry stakeholders, enabling them to enhance e-waste management strategies and improve the effectiveness of the e-waste supply chain, contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.