Behavioral change for the circular economy: A review with focus on electronic waste management in the EU

In recent years, electrical and electronic products (e-products) have been central to the discussion of resource sustainability due to their growing demand, use of critical resources, and challenges in managing the resulting waste stream (e-waste). As such, the concept of circular economy, which see...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Keshav Parajuly, Colin Fitzpatrick, Orla Muldoon, Ruediger Kuehr
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2020-05-01
Series:Resources, Conservation & Recycling: X
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590289X20300062
Description
Summary:In recent years, electrical and electronic products (e-products) have been central to the discussion of resource sustainability due to their growing demand, use of critical resources, and challenges in managing the resulting waste stream (e-waste). As such, the concept of circular economy, which seeks to ‘design out’ waste by better products, practices and business models, is deemed to be very relevant for e-products. The nature of circular systems mandates a collective effort of businesses, consumers, and governments. While the techno-economic sides of the circular economy have attracted large attention in recent years, the role of consumer behavior – a critical factor in defining the long-term success of ‘sustainable production and consumption’ initiatives – remains less explored. In this context, this paper explores the potential of integrating lessons from behavioral sciences to facilitate circular economy in e-waste management. It offers a review of prominent behavioral theories and their application in the context of sustainable consumption and pro-environmental behaviors. Finally, the paper identifies opportunities for behavioral interventions in improving e-waste management and in achieving a more circular economy.
ISSN:2590-289X