Waste Management – A Case Study of Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper aims to study the implementation of the producer responsibility scheme (PRS) on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) (also known as WPRS in Hong Kong) which is a newly enacted policy by the local government. This is a qualitative case study based on content analysis of European countries with similar experiences in handling the WEEE. By initial review of journal articles in respect of WEEE system implemented by fifteen European countries, four countries with best practice are selected for detailed analysis so that the key success factors of each country will be identified. The results are concluded with generally six characteristics of WEEE system with operational efficiency and a WEEE value with these features as components is also drawn. At the same time, the past and current situations of WEEE management in Hong Kong will be explored. This case study reveals that, based on the establishment of legal framework and execution of environmental governance, a successful WEEE system is affected by (1) stakeholders’ responsibility, especially government involvement, (2) comprehensive and formal governed recycling (collection and treatment of end-of-life product) system, i.e. a well-developed closed-loop supply chain or circular economy to handle wastes and (3) adequate and sufficient controlling mechanism to ensure the compliance with PRS’s requirements. These findings are valuable to the Hong Kong government to effectively and efficiently implement the WEEE policy. Finally, I draw conclusion and recommendation based on the findings in this study.

Keywords: Producer responsibility scheme, extended producer responsibility (EPR), waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), WEEE system, WEEE value chain, circular economy, supply chain

JEL Classification: Q20, Q50,Q53,Q58,R11