Solving the E-Waste Problem (StEP) Initiative – Towards sustainable solutions Per Döfnäs Member of StEP Steering Committee

StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM E-Waste Definition What is e-waste? …or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)… Generic term to describe old, end-of-life or discarded appliances using electricity which have been disposed of by their original users WEEE categories according to Directive 2002/96 EC: 1 Large household appliances 2 Small household appliances 3 IT and telecommunications equipment 4 Consumer equipment 5 Lighting equipment 6 Electrical and electronic tools 7 Toys, leisure and sports equipment 8 Medical devices 9 Monitoring and control instruments 10 Automatic dispensers 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

E-Waste - A Significant Challenge Volumes: Increasing sales of electronics, decreasing lifetimes ~50 million tonnes e-waste generated worldwide EU-27 in 2006: ~8.5 million tonnes generated, only 2.5 million tonnes recycled Exports: As donations/2nd hand, often illegal Mainly to Asia (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam), Africa (Nigeria & neighboring Western Africa, Northern Africa), Eastern Europe 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

E-Waste - A Significant Challenge Dangers: Re-use/repair of some devices, but low state-of-art recycling probability at final end-of-life Backyard recycling with high environmental & health impacts and low yields /efficiency Soil & water contamination from chemical disposal Toxic emissions from burning of materials EMPA Eta-Au project (see picture on the right): -> Objective: Evaluate Au recovery efficiencies informal / SME sector recyclers use 3 wet chemical processes: Cyanide leaching Amalgamation (Hg) Au stripping (electrolytic) efficiencies are very low: >60% losses during mechanical pre-processing >50% losses during chemical processes Total Au-recovery efficiency only  25%, while environmental & health damage is dramatic Total Au-recovery efficiency only  25%, while environmental & health damage is dramatic (Rochat, Keller, EMPA 2007) ©Empa, Switzerland 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

What is StEP? StEP is an initiative developed by various United Nations organizations with the overall aim to solve the e-waste problem. Together with members from industry, governments, international organizations, NGOs and academia actively participating, StEP initiates and facilitates approaches towards the sustainable handling of e-waste. StEP is a network of actors who have joined to exchange ideas and experiences and work with each other toward the realization of common aims.

StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM StEP Vision “StEP envisions a future in which societies have reduced to a sustainable level the e-waste-related burden on the ecosystem that results from the design, production, use and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. These societies make prudent use of lifetime extension strategies in which products and components – and the resources contained in them – become raw materials for new products.” 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM StEP Objectives Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP) Initiative was created to… Initiate and facilitate environmentally, economically & socially sound approaches to reduce e-waste flows and handle them in a sustainable way around the globe Functions as a network of actors who share experiences and best practices Carries out research and development projects Disseminates experiences, best practices and recommendations Founded in 2004, offcially launched in 2007 Initiated by Hewlett Packard and United Nations University 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM StEP Core Principles StEP's work is founded on scientific assessments including social, environmental and economic aspects StEP conducts research on the entire life-cycle of electronic and electrical equipment StEP's research and pilot projects are meant to contribute to the solution of e-waste problems StEP condemns all illegal activities related to e-waste including illegal shipments StEP seeks to foster safe and eco/energy-efficient reuse and recycling practices around the globe in a socially responsible manner “StEP envisions a future in which societies have reduced to a sustainable level the e-waste-related burden on the ecosystem that results from the design, production, use and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. These societies make prudent use of lifetime extension strategies in which products and components – and the resources contained in them – become raw materials for new products.” 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

StEP invites pro-active: Membership StEP invites pro-active: Companies Governmental Organizations Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) International Organizations Academic Institutions from around the world to become a member Members have to agree with the StEP principles through signing a Memorandum of Understanding between all StEP members

Membership Overview (June 2011) International Organizations Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Asia and the Pacific (BCRC China) Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for the African Region (BCCC Africa) Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) Secretariat of the Basel Convention (SBC) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) United Nations University (UNU) Governmental & Development Cooperation, Non-profit Organizations Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Enda Europe* Morocco Cleaner Production Centre Renewable Recyclers Swiss State Secretariat of Economics (SECO) TechSoup Global United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) Academia & Research Austrian Society for Systems Engineering and Automation (SAT) BIO Intelligence Service Chinese Acadamy of Sciences (CAS) Delft University of Technology GAIKER Foundation Griffith University Institute for Applied Ecology (Öko-Institut) Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA) Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) KERP Research Electronics & Environment Korea Institute of Geoscience & Mineral Resources (KIGAM) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Rifer Environmental The Sustainability Consortium Sustainable Electronics Initiative Technical University of Braunschweig Telecom Business School Thai Electrical and Electronic Institute (EEI) University of Limerick WEEE Forum* 3P Consortium for Sustainable Management Industry AER Worldwide Cisco Systems Ltd. Compliance & Risks Dataserv Group Datec Technologies Ltd. Dell Ericsson Flection GOAB mbH Hewlett Packard (HP) MicroPro National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) Nokia Corporation Philips Consumer Lifestyle PT Worldwide Sims Recycling Solutions Taizhou Chiho Tiande Umicore Precious Metal Refining Vertmonde cia. Ltda.* Since 2004, more than 50 members have joined StEP representing key stakeholders in the field of e-waste tp provide for an holistic approach * Associate Member 19.04.2017

StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM StEP Organizational Chart The StEP General Assembly is composed of all full members. Monitored by an elected multistakeholder steering committee which oversees the progress of the intitiative Coordinated by UNU which hosts the Secretariat Each StEP member contributes to one or more TFs, where the project work takes place TF 1: …analyzes the status of existing policy approaches on e-waste & elaborates policy recommendations for future developments… TF 2: … dedicated to product design aspects to reduce negative impacts of the entire life cycle of electronics, enhance DfR and close material loops… TF 4: … overall aim is to enhance global recycling infrastructures and technologies to realise a sustainable e-waste recycling globally… TF5: … aims at increasing public, scientific and business awareness and disseminating the results of TFs 1 - 4… 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

Task Force Policy Analyzes the status of existing policy approaches on e-waste, and elaborates policy recommendations for future developments... Project overview (samples): √ White Paper Recast WEEE Directive √ White Paper ‘Take-Back Systems and Design Guidelines’ √ Research Study ‘Best e-waste policies’ @ Project ‘EEE and Climate Change’ @ Green Paper on E-waste Indicators @ White Paper on Transboundary Shipments (with Task Force ReUse) White Paper Take-Back Systems and Design Guidelines: This White Paper seeks to support stakeholders in the creation of North American electronics recycling systems by summarizing important lessons learned from implementation of the EU’s WEEE Directive and assessing the performance of in-place electronics recycling systems in North America. White Paper Recast of WEEE Directive Just published, paper providing recommendations supporting the review of the WEEE Directive WEEE recycling & Climate Change: This project intends to inform the COP of the UNFCCC on the effects on greenhouses gases through EEE and especially WEEE Best E-waste Policies: Overall aim of this StEP meta-project is to comparatively evaluate different national policies and legislation on e-waste and, from this, to come up with legal and policy recommendations for “best e-waste policies”  completed, @ working phase, $ acquisition phase, ? idea phase 19.04.2017 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM 12 12

 completed, @ working phase, $ acquisition phase, ? idea phase Task Force ReDesign … dedicated to product design aspects to reduce negative impacts of the entire life cycle of electronics… Project overview: √ DfR Case Studies Library √ Research study ‘Wearable Computers – End-of-Life Implications’ √ Closing the Loop ? Project ‘Certification Technology for Recycling Plastic’ DfR Case Studies Library: This study gives an overview on current approaches and case studies in the field of Design for Recycling. On one page product specific best practice examples are explained. The current version of the library comprises 13 case studies. Wearable Computers – End-of-Life Implications This research study tries to identify major trends of wearable computers, i.e. textile based electronics and impacts on end-of-life treatments of e.g. used textiles, and to develop technology guidance to minimise end-of-life impacts of wearables. Closing the Loop – see slides ZeroWIN- Research project within FP 7 Towards zerowaste in industrial networks - Development of waste-prevention methodologies and strategies in the IT-, photovoltaics, automotive and construction sector  completed, @ working phase, $ acquisition phase, ? idea phase 19.04.2017 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM 13 13

 completed, @ working phase, $ acquisition phase, ? idea phase Task Force ReUse … defines globally consistent “re-use” practices, principles, and standards to enhance re-use opportunities, change consumer behaviour & reduce „sham re-use“… Project overview (samples): √ Conference ‘1st World ReUse Forum’ √ White Paper ‘One Global Understanding of Re-use – Common Definitions’ √ Case studies synthesis ‘Best practices in re-use’ @ White Paper on Transboundary Shipments (with Task Force Policy) ? Recommendations for re-use certification/guidelines 1st Global Reuse Forum: In line with the Electronics Goes Green 2008 conference, a separate forum with thematic focus on professional Reuse, Refurbishment, Remarketing and Sustainable Consumption will be organised to take place on September 7 2008. Common Definitions for Reuse: This project intends to find StEP-agreed definitions of reuse, refurbishment, EEE products and other related topics and publish them in a White Paper. Case studies synthesis: Comparative evaluation of best practices in refurbishment and re-use based on StEP member experiences This best-practices overview should then be the basis for the further development of a re-use guidance document  completed, @ working phase, $ acquisition phase, ? idea phase 19.04.2017 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM 14 14

 completed, @ working phase, $ acquisition phase, ? idea phase Task Force ReCycle … overall aim is to enhance global recycling infrastructures and technologies to realise a sustainable e-waste recycling… Project overview (samples):  Research study ‘ Recycling – From E-waste to Resources’  Review ‘Environmental fate and effects of hazardous substances of informal e-waste recycling’ @ Project ‘Best of 2 Worlds’ @ Green Paper on End-of-Life Standards Rrecycling – From E-waste to Ressources UNU formed a consortium with the StEP members EMPA and Umicore following the request of UNEP to perform a study on innovative recycling technologies and market opportunities focusing on e-waste. The preparations of the publication of this study as UNEP Technical Report are just about to be completed. The formal launch of this study is planned for February 2010. Environm. fate of hazardous substances released from WEEE recycling Aim of this research study is to review the existing literature describing and explaining the environmental impacts of leaching and burning practices related with the recovery of gold from PWBs. The Best of 2 Worlds: See slides StEP recycling guidance: Scientific recommendations to recyling/EoL guidelines; White Paper on Standards for EoL Operations of e-waste currently under development  completed, @ working phase, $ acquisition phase, ? idea phase 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

Task Force Capacity Building … aims at increasing public, scientific and business awareness and disseminating the results of TFs 1 - 4… Project overview (samples): @ Annual Reporting on the global E-waste Status (ADDRESS) @ 2009 & 2010 NVMP-StEP E-waste Summer School Series $ E-waste Academy for policymakers and small and medium size enterprises ? Online Recycling Trainer IWWA: European Commission funded networking-project on solid waste-management in Western Africa (2010 – 2012) Objectives: To strengthen the institutional framework for Solid Waste Management and coordination at all levels Encouraging technology transfer, know-how and best practices To promote African expertise in sustainable solid waste management Strengthening links among local authorities Promoting participation, public awareness and stakeholder involvement  target countries: Ghana, Senegal, cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, (South Africa and Egypt as Multipliers) Summer School: see slides E-waste 2009 Conference: see slides  completed, @ working phase, $ acquisition phase, ? idea phase 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

www.step-initiative.org/publications Common Definitions for Reuse: This project intends to find StEP-agreed definitions of reuse, refurbishment, EEE products and other related topics and publish them in a White Paper. 1st Global Reuse Forum: In line with the Electronics Goes Green 2008 conference, a separate forum with thematic focus on professional Reuse, Refurbishment, Remarketing and Sustainable Consumption will be organised to take place on September 7 2008. Sustainable Consumption: This research project investigates how to promote a sustainable reuse of electronic equipment, in particular with regard to changing consumption patterns and influencing consumer behaviour. Reuse Market Model: Objective of is to develop a model for assessing and estimating current and future reuse markets, based on data available for focus countries to be defined. www.step-initiative.org/publications 19.04.2017 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM 17 17

StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM Conclusions Knowledge hub for e-waste related issues International e-waste knowledge transfer Multi-stakeholder approach Holistic view Based on scientific assessment Pragmatic and problem-oriented 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM

UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY CONTACT StEP Secretariat UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY Institute for Sustainability and Peace (UNU-ISP) Operating Unit SCYCLE 53113 Bonn / Germany +49-228-815-0213/-0214 +49-228-815-0299 www.step-initiative.org info@step-initiative.org 19.04.2017 StEP – SOLVING THE E-WASTE PROBLEM