LOCATION:
Ecuador
TARGET GROUP:
CHALLENGES:
SOLUTION:
This project contributed to the design and pilotage of the first domestic e-waste collection and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in Ecuador. It developed policy recommendations and builds stakeholder commitment. Additionally, a mobile unit was designed to serve as collection and learning centres for Quito’s inhabitants.
DESCRIPTION:
In 2019, up to 99 thousand tons of e-waste were generated in Ecuador, of which less than 3% have been processed by formal recycling companies. Against this background, the project’s goal is to design and implement the first e-waste collection scheme in Ecuador. The mobile collection units, which will serve the whole city of Quito, will at the same time function as learning centres for e-waste management. This innovative double function is an effective way not only to increase the collection rates, but also to reach and engage citizens and thus to create a greater positive impact. Based on the experiences, the project seeks to collect useful data and formulate policy recommendations to incorporate the normative of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on city level – helping to replicate it elsewhere and/or to other waste streams. The project also supported a non-profit organisation to create a collective association for proper WEEE management called Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) and engage stakeholders.
Stake-holders
Supported a local Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to initiate an EPR scheme for WEEE, involving stakeholders throughout the electronics value chain and established a collaboration between the Municipality and the local PRO
Aware-ness
Designed an awareness and collection WEEE campaign for citizens using mobile units
Stra-tegy
Data collection on e-waste in Quito and analysis of the processing situation serve the evaluation and development of treatment options
