The role of BRICS metropolises in the management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Abstract

Urban population forecasts project a rise of over two billion inhabitants in cities in three decades, accounting for over two-thirds of consumption and half of waste generation on the planet with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) being the flow with the highest growth rate. It is estimated that by 2030, WEEE volumes will reach 74 Mt. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries will be responsible for a significant share of this consumption and waste in globally prominent metropolises. The aim of this study is to describe WEEE management policies in BRICS metropolises, identifying the actors involved, in order to support the structuring of policies and actions for the sustainable management of this waste. The methodology employs a qualitative approach through case studies: São Paulo, Moscow, Delhi, Beijing, and Johannesburg. The results demonstrate the relevant role that these metropolises play in the sustainable and inclusive management of WEEE, articulating in synergy with the actors to implement policies and related circular actions, aligned with national legislation and appropriate for their territories.

Keywords

• role of metropolises; management of waste electrical and electronic equipment. policies and actions; actors; brics