New e-waste management standards: A sustainable response to the environmental emergency
The rapid growth in electronic waste represents a major challenge for the environment and public health. In response, new international standards, such as IEC 63395, aim to manage this waste in a more sustainable way, incorporating the principles of circularity, repair and reduction at source.
The issue of electronic waste
Electronic equipment has become ubiquitous in our lives. But behind the innovation lies an alarming reality: every smartphone, every computer, every connected device, once obsolete, becomes electronic waste, or e-waste. This is the fastest-growing type of waste in the world, yet its treatment remains largely inadequate, posing serious environmental, health and social problems.
Rapid growth and the challenges of e-waste management
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is now the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In 2022, it reached a record volume of 62 million tonnes, an increase of more than 80% in a decade. This explosion is being driven by the boom in digital technologies, the increase in the level of equipment in developing countries, but also by the programmed obsolescence and accelerated renewal of electronic devices in industrialised societies.
This sustained rate of production poses several major challenges. Firstly, collection and processing capacities are struggling to keep up, leaving a large proportion of e-waste outside the regulated circuits. According to the UN, less than 20% of this waste is formally recycled worldwide.
Furthermore, the complexity of electronic equipment makes it particularly difficult to process: it contains a mixture of precious materials (gold, copper, rare earths) and toxic substances (lead, mercury, cadmium), requiring specialised sorting, de-pollution and recycling processes.
Finally, the supply chain for e-waste is often unclear: much of it is exported illegally to countries in the South, where it is processed under conditions that are dangerous for workers and the environment.
Faced with these challenges, it is becoming urgent to adopt clear standards and coordinated strategies to improve the management of e-waste on a global scale, and above all, to curb its growth at source.
Environmental and social consequences of the mismanagement of e-waste
Poor management of e-waste has serious consequences for the environment, human health and social balance. When e-waste is not collected or treated to the right standards, it becomes a major source of pollution.
From an environmental point of view, electronic equipment contains hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants. When these materials are thrown away or burnt in the open air, as is often the case at unregulated recycling sites, they contaminate soil, groundwater and the atmosphere, threatening biodiversity and local ecosystems.
Concrete examples:
- The Guiyu site in China: One of the largest informal e-waste recycling centres in the world, where thousands of workers, frequently children, dismantle and burn electronic devices without any protection. This process releases toxic substances into the air, water and soil. The region’s drinking water is seriously contaminated by heavy metals, and air pollution is having a devastating impact on the health of local populations.
- Agbogbloshie, Ghana: This site, nicknamed the ‘computer graveyard’, is another striking example of informal e-waste management. Here too, thousands of tonnes of electronic equipment are sent for recycling under extremely dangerous conditions. The toxic substances released by burning cables or processing electronic components by hand cause respiratory diseases, cancer and neurological disorders in local residents.
In social and health terms, the consequences are just as serious. People working on these sites are exposed to toxins, considerably increasing the risk of neurological disorders, cancers, respiratory diseases and developmental problems in children. These sites are often areas of extreme insecurity, where working conditions are not only dangerous, but also characterised by flagrant human exploitation.
Abuses of human rights
Poor management of e-waste also fuels human rights violations. Informal recycling, particularly in countries such as India, Nigeria and China, relies on child labour and extremely dangerous working conditions. These waste processing zones are usually unregulated environments, with no social cover or rights for workers, leading to systematic exploitation.
This global pollution and social injustice underlines the importance of more responsible management and the adoption of strict international standards for e-waste recycling, to protect the environment and vulnerable communities.
Why the best waste is the waste we don’t create, and how sustainability helps to achieve this?
The management of e-waste begins long before it is disposed of: it starts at the design stage. Effective e-waste management is based above all on a fundamental principle of the waste hierarchy: prevention. sustainability comes in.
The longer a product lasts, the less waste it generates at the end of its life cycle. This is where the notion of sustainability comes in.
Sustainability, in the context of e-waste, is not just about the ability of products to function for a long time, but also about their reparability, reusability and modular design. When electronic devices are designed to be easily repaired or updated, their lifespan is extended, reducing the amount of waste generated. Similarly, designing products that can be easily dismantled and recycled limits the production of waste that is difficult to treat.
The examples of smartphones, computers and televisions show us that a product that becomes obsolete too quickly (for example, due to non-repairability or incompatible software updates) is a product that feeds the exponential growth of e-waste. On the other hand, a device whose lifespan is extended by appropriate design choices avoids the creation of premature waste.
The importance of eco-responsible design
Eco-friendly design plays a major role in preventing waste. Companies such as Fairphone have already adopted practices aimed at extending the lifespan of smartphones by allowing users to easily repair their devices and by using recycled materials. This design model helps to reduce environmental impact in the long term, as it reduces the need to produce new devices and the amount of waste generated.
What’s more, by incorporating software updates that extend the life of a product, replacement can be postponed. In the IT industry, for example, some companies are starting to supply versions of their operating systems that are adapted to older models, enabling ageing computers to perform better for longer, rather than being thrown away.
A business model to rethink
Consumer choices also play a crucial role in reducing waste. Buying less for more use and favouring equipment designed to last is also a way of reducing the environmental impact of e-waste. The sustainability of electronic products is not just a question of production, but also of consumers adopting responsible practices such as repairing or buying second-hand products.
Ultimately, the best waste is that which is not created. That’s why the key to managing e-waste is prevention through sustainability, which not only reduces the amount of waste produced, but also limits the environmental and social impacts associated with its management.
International standard IEC 63395: Towards sustainable management of e-waste
Faced with the exponential growth of electronic waste, the international standard IEC 63395 proposes an innovative methodological framework for its sustainable management. It aims to optimize the recycling, reuse and reduction of e-waste, while integrating rigorous environmental practices. This standard represents a crucial step towards more responsible and effective management of e-waste on a global scale.
The IEC 63395 standard and its integration with European policies
The international standard IEC 63395 represents an essential methodological framework for the sustainable management of electronic waste. It focuses on the eco-design, repair and recycling of electronic equipment, while seeking to minimise its environmental impact. This framework is aligned with global sustainability goals and aims to facilitate the integration of e-waste into a circular economy.
The integration of IEC 63395 with European policies reflects a coordinated effort to address the environmental challenges associated with e-waste. The European Union has taken ambitious steps to regulate the management of e-waste, as demonstrated by Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This legislation imposes strict collection, recycling and reuse targets for e-waste on its Member States.
The IEC 63395 standard complements these regulations by providing a detailed framework for optimising e-waste recycling and treatment processes, enabling European policies to be implemented more effectively. It thus supports the objective of the Europe 2020 strategy, which aims to promote green and sustainable growth through better management of resources and waste.
In addition, the harmonisation of this standard with European regulations will ensure greater consistency and coordination between industry players, local authorities and citizens, ensuring a smoother transition towards sustainable practices in the e-waste sector.
A methodological framework for managing electronic waste
IEC 63395 provides a detailed methodological framework for improving the management of e-waste throughout its life cycle. The framework is based on a number of key principles that ensure more sustainable, efficient and environmentally sound management of e-waste.
The first fundamental aspect of this standard is waste prevention. The standard encourages companies to adopt eco-design practices right from the manufacturing phase of electronic products, reducing the use of hazardous materials and optimising product durability. The aim is to minimise waste at source, which is essential for limiting long-term environmental impacts.
Furthermore, the standard focuses on the selective collection of e-waste. It establishes guidelines for the safe and efficient collection of end-of-life equipment, promoting responsible dismantling and separation of recyclable and hazardous components. This maximises the recovery of valuable materials, such as gold, copper and rare earths, while avoiding contamination of the environment by toxic substances.
IEC 63395 also advocates optimised recycling management. It defines specific methods for the treatment of e-waste, emphasising the importance of reducing pollutant emissions and complying with strict environmental standards during recycling processes. This methodological framework ensures that extracted materials can be reused in a circular fashion, helping to reduce the consumption of new resources.
Finally, the standard promotes the concept of repairing and reusing electronic equipment. It encourages the practice of refurbishing devices, offering an alternative to outright recycling. This is part of an overall approach to waste reduction, enabling electronic equipment to continue to function for longer, while reducing the need to produce new devices.
As such, IEC 63395 provides a comprehensive framework that not only addresses the management of waste once it has been produced, but also incorporates source reduction, repair and recycling strategies to minimise environmental impact and promote a circular economy.
Waste hierarchy: Why repair and reuse before recycling?
The waste hierarchy is a fundamental principle of sustainable management, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of products at each stage of their life cycle. According to this hierarchy, repairing and reusing products before recycling them is a more environmentally-friendly approach. By prioritising these actions, we can extend the life of electronic equipment, reduce the consumption of natural resources and minimise waste. This approach is part of the circular economy, in which getting the most out of existing products becomes a priority before considering recycling them.
Impact of this hierarchy on the environment and society
The waste hierarchy, which prioritises prevention, repair and reuse before recycling, has profound and positive effects on the environment and society. By adopting this approach, we can not only reduce the amount of waste generated, but also limit the exploitation of natural resources and reduce the negative effects on human health and biodiversity.
1. Reducing carbon footprint and waste
When repair and reuse are prioritised, fewer new products need to be manufactured, resulting in a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. The manufacture of new electronic equipment consumes a lot of resources, including rare metals and energy, which generates a considerable amount of greenhouse gases. By extending the life of existing equipment, we avoid these energy costs and reduce the pollution associated with the production of new devices.
2. Circular economy and resource conservation
By repairing and re-using products, we contribute to a circular economy, where resources are used more efficiently and sustainably. This model reduces the need to extract new natural resources (such as copper, gold, rare earths), which has a positive impact on biodiversity and the preservation of ecosystems. Mining, which is often linked to environmentally destructive practices, can be reduced if repair and reuse are promoted.
3. Less pollution and fewer health risks
Electronic products contain many toxic substances, such as lead, mercury and cadmium. When disposed of prematurely, these materials pollute soil and water, posing serious risks to public health. Prioritising repair and re-use reduces this pollution, as these products do not end up in landfill or in poorly managed recycling processes. This has a direct impact on public health, particularly in developing countries where the management of electronic waste is often inadequate.
4. Creating jobs and reducing social inequalities
Another social dimension of this waste hierarchy is the creation of local jobs. Repair and reuse require technical skills, which opens up employment opportunities in sectors such as electronic repair, product recovery and waste management. In addition, this model can help to reduce social inequalities by offering affordable and accessible repair services to people who are often excluded from the benefits of consuming expensive new products.
5. Civic engagement and changing attitudes
Finally, this hierarchy encourages a change in mentality in society. It encourages responsible consumption and helps to establish more sustainable behaviour among consumers. Repairing, reusing and recycling become reflexes that, collectively, help to reduce our ecological footprint and build a society that is more aware of environmental issues.
In short, the waste hierarchy has a positive impact on both the environment and society. By reducing the quantity of waste and promoting a more circular and sustainable economy, it helps to preserve natural resources, limit the negative effects on health, and stimulate employment and social justice.
Priority to the recovery of functional products and components
In e-waste management, the recovery of functional products and components is essential to reduce unnecessary waste and maximise the value of end-of-life devices. This process consists of extracting and conserving the still usable components of a device, before it is recycled or disposed of. This is a crucial step in the e-waste management chain, as it recovers vital components that can then be reused in other applications or products.
1. Optimising the recovery of precious materials
Electronic products contain expensive and sometimes rare materials, such as precious metals (gold, silver, copper) or specific components like chips or screens. By focusing on the recovery of these elements prior to full recycling, we maximise the value recovered. This lowers the production costs of new technologies while reducing the pressure on natural resources. This focus on recovery also promotes a circular economy where valuable materials are efficiently re-used.
2. Precise sorting of functional components
By carefully separating functional components from other parts of the electronic device, efforts can be concentrated on those elements that are still operational. For example, hard disks, motherboards or batteries that are still working can be extracted and reused in new products. This selective sorting ensures more targeted and efficient waste management, making repairs or upgrades possible rather than destroying the whole product.
3. Reduction of premature obsolescence
By recovering functional products or components, their use is extended in other devices. This reduces the perception of premature obsolescence often associated with electronic products, a phenomenon largely exacerbated by the excessive consumption of new products. For example, a phone that is no longer working properly can have some of its parts – such as the battery or screen – recovered and used in other phones, reducing the need to buy new products.
4. Reducing the environmental impact of unnecessary recycling
Some electronic devices contain components that do not need to be recycled immediately. Extracting them before they undergo a recycling process limits the environmental impact of these processes. Large-scale recycling of materials, while essential, can sometimes be energy-intensive and generate secondary waste. So recovering functional parts before recycling the rest of the appliance reduces the energy intensity of recycling processes.
5. Creation of secondary markets and support for innovation
The recovery of functional components is not just about waste management. It also stimulates the creation of new secondary markets, where spare parts or refurbished products can be sold to consumers looking for cheaper and greener alternatives. This fosters innovation, with companies specialising in reusing electronic components in creative ways, and contributes to the emergence of new business models focused on sustainability.
In short, the recovery of functional products and components is an essential step in ensuring more efficient and sustainable management of electronic waste. It recovers valuable materials, optimises recycling and extends the life of electronic equipment. This reduces the overall environmental impact while creating economic opportunities for a dynamic secondary market.
The role of repair, recycling and reuse in a circular economy
The management of electronic waste is characterised by a proactive approach that promotes repair, reuse and recycling as essential levers for reducing the consumption of new resources and limiting waste. Repairing faulty electronic equipment not only extends its lifespan, but also reduces the need for new products, thereby limiting the environmental impact of manufacturing processes. By reintegrating repaired devices into the consumer chain, resources are preserved and a build-up of waste is avoided.
Reuse is another fundamental pillar, as it allows functional products and components to be given a second life. Rather than throwing away appliances that are still functional, they can be reallocated to other uses or sold on second-hand markets, thereby reducing the pressure on production systems. This is not limited to whole products, but also to specific components that can be extracted and used to repair or assemble new equipment.
Recycling, while necessary, should be a last resort, once repair and reuse options have been exhausted. It recovers valuable materials and reduces the need to extract them, while avoiding the pollution caused by disposing of electronic devices in landfill sites. Recovered rare metals, plastics and other components can be fed back into the production cycle, reducing dependence on raw materials and promoting sustainability.
These three practices fit in perfectly with a circular economy approach, in which each product is designed to be reused, repaired or recycled, enabling resources to be managed more efficiently and waste to be reduced. In this system, priority is given to extending the life of products before they are transformed into secondary raw materials, offering both an ecological and economic solution to the challenges posed by electronic waste.
Where does LONGTIME® fit into all this?
The LONGTIME® label represents an innovative approach to product sustainability, particularly in the context of electronic waste. It is designed to encourage more responsible consumption by certifying products that are specially designed to last longer, be repairable and easily reused. This European label is based on strict criteria that include the repairability, robustness and ease of maintenance of products.
In the field of electronic waste, this label is particularly important because it enables consumers to make informed choices when it comes to electronic products. Rather than opting for devices that quickly become obsolete, the LONGTIME® label encourages preference for those that have a durable design, designed to be easily repaired or reused several times during their lifecycle. This approach is fully in line with the logic of the circular economy, where priority is given to extending the life of products and reducing waste.
By achieving LONGTIME® certification, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to producing equipment that not only performs well, but is also designed to be durable and minimise its environmental impact. LONGTIME® certified products are not only more durable, they are also easier to repair, reducing waste and encouraging the reuse of components. This is a direct response to one of the main challenges of e-waste: the management of programmed obsolescence and the pressure on recycling systems.
The LONGTIME® label is thus becoming a valuable asset in the fight against the accumulation of electronic waste. It offers consumers an ecological and economic alternative by enabling them to choose products that, instead of ending up in landfill, can be used for many years, repaired or refurbished. By promoting sustainable and repairable products, this label encourages companies to rethink their manufacturing model, thereby contributing to more sustainable management of electronic waste and a significant reduction in its environmental impact.
Finally, the LONGTIME® label is also part of an approach based on transparency and responsibility, two essential values for consumers who are increasingly aware of ecological issues. By choosing products bearing this certification, users are actively participating in a change of economic model, favouring a future where resources are used more intelligently, waste is reduced and the planet is preserved.
Implications for the circular economy and sustainability
Managing e-waste in a circular economy is key to promoting sustainability. By repairing, reusing and recycling, we reduce waste, conserve resources and limit environmental impact. This approach makes it possible to rethink the life cycle of products, promoting more responsible and sustainable consumption.
European standard 45560 Environmental standard for electrical and electronic products and systems
European standard EN 45560 is an essential standard in the environmental management of electrical and electronic products. It focuses on the principles of eco-design and sustainability throughout the life cycle of products, with the specific aim of minimising their environmental impact. Its main objective is to guide companies in the design of electrical and electronic products that comply with strict environmental criteria.
Objectives and scope of standard EN 45560
The EN 45560 standard defines the environmental criteria applicable to electrical and electronic products. It covers the entire life cycle of products, from design to disposal, with a particular focus on optimising resources and reducing waste. This standard encourages manufacturers to design products that are easily repairable, recyclable and sustainable, as part of a transition towards a circular economy.
Guiding principles of the standard
- Material efficiency: The standard encourages the responsible use of resources and materials, promoting the reduction of raw material consumption and the reuse of materials in the production phase.
- Durability and repairability: It promotes the durability of products by encouraging a design that facilitates repair and the extension of their lifespan, thus helping to reduce electronic waste.
- Environmental impact management: One of the fundamental principles is the management of environmental impact at every stage of the product life cycle, including production, use and end of life. The standard encourages companies to assess the impacts of their products and seek solutions to minimise them.
Application of the standard
EN 45560 is often used when specific standards are not available for a product or product group. It can also complement other industry standards, ensuring that electrical and electronic products meet the criteria of sustainability, recyclability and reduced environmental impact.
In summary, EN 45560 provides a strategic framework for the eco-design of electrical and electronic products, promoting a systematic approach to environmental management and circularity. It helps manufacturers to meet growing legislative requirements on sustainability and to integrate responsible practices into the design of their products.
Link between sustainability and waste
The concept of sustainability is intrinsically linked to waste management, particularly in the context of the circular economy. Sustainability aims to reduce the environmental impact of human activities while meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this context, waste management becomes a central issue, as it directly affects the way we use resources and treat products at the end of their life.
1. Reducing waste at source
Sustainability is all about preventing the creation of waste in the first place. This includes reducing resource consumption, eco-friendly design and the reuse of materials. By reducing waste at the design stage, businesses and consumers can reduce the pressure on waste management systems while optimising the use of available resources.
2. Reuse and recycling: pillars of sustainability
In a sustainable economy, waste is not simply thrown away, but is reused or recycled in order to recover valuable resources. Recycling materials reduces the need to extract new resources, helping to preserve the environment and reduce the carbon footprint of products. This approach not only reduces waste, but also supports the circular economy, where materials are continuously circulated rather than discarded.
3. Reducing hazardous waste
Electronic waste, in particular, often contains toxic substances (such as lead, mercury or cadmium) which, if poorly managed, can have serious consequences for the environment and human health. Sustainable waste management, through specialised recycling and appropriate treatment, helps to limit soil and groundwater contamination, thereby reducing environmental risks.
4. Extending the life of products
A key aspect of sustainability in waste management is extending the life of products. By repairing, reusing and extending the life of electronic equipment, for example, we reduce the amount of waste generated and reduce the demand for new products. This is part of the drive to reduce programmed obsolescence, one of the major challenges in managing electronic waste.
Towards stronger European legislation on electronic waste
Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing and most problematic waste streams in the European Union. Faced with this situation, the EU has undertaken to strengthen its legislation in order to better manage this waste, promote recycling and reduce its environmental impact. The legislative initiatives are aimed at putting in place more effective mechanisms for dealing with electronic waste and encouraging the transition to a circular economy.
1. Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is the cornerstone of European legislation on electronic waste management. It requires EU member states to set up systems for the collection, treatment and recycling of electronic waste. The aim of the directive is to reduce the amount of electronic waste sent to landfill, and to promote the recycling of recovered materials. It also sets collection and recycling targets, obliging manufacturers to contribute to collection systems and respect specific recycling rates.
2. Reinforced recycling and eco-design targets
The European Union is currently working to strengthen recycling targets and extend the scope of the WEEE Directive to include new types of electronic products. The forthcoming legislative framework could include stricter requirements concerning the repairability and recyclability of electronic products. Future legislation could thus incorporate eco-design requirements that oblige manufacturers to make their products more easily repairable, dismountable and recyclable.
3. Legislation on hazardous substances
Another key aspect of future European legislation will concern the management of hazardous substances present in electronic products, such as lead, mercury and cadmium. The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive imposes strict restrictions on the use of these substances in electronic products, helping to reduce the risks to human health and the environment during their end-of-life management.
4. The role of the circular economy
The EU is also strengthening its circular economy strategy, which calls for more responsible management of resources and waste. This includes stricter legislation on end-of-life products, with particular emphasis on the reuse and recycling of electronic products. The idea is to extend the lifespan of products through repairs, and facilitate the recycling of materials to prevent the depletion of natural resources.
5. Producer and consumer responsibility
European legislation also aims to strengthen producer responsibility in the management of electronic waste. Manufacturers are increasingly required to finance the recycling of their end-of-life products, and to make their waste management actions more transparent. At the same time, efforts are being made to raise consumer awareness of the importance of properly recycling their electronic devices, by facilitating access to collection points and providing clear information on the environmental consequences of their waste management.
Conclusion: A sustainable future for e-waste management
The management of electronic waste represents one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The adoption of international standards, such as IEC 63395, and strengthened European regulations are paving the way for a more responsible and sustainable approach to e-waste management. To ensure a future where natural resources are preserved and environmental impact is minimized, it is imperative that all players involved – from manufacturers to consumers – fully commit to more ecological and responsible practices.
The importance of widespread adoption of these new standards
Widespread adoption of the new international and European standards is crucial to ensuring effective, sustainable management of e-waste. These standards provide a solid framework for companies to design more durable, recyclable and repairable products, while reducing environmental impacts. The widespread implementation of these standards across all industries could significantly reduce e-waste volumes, while maximizing the recovery of valuable resources. Their adoption also helps to harmonize practices worldwide, facilitating international cooperation to tackle this global problem.
Call to action for more responsible and efficient management of e-waste
The time has come to step up collective efforts to manage e-waste more responsibly. It is necessary to encourage a transition towards more efficient recycling practices, to invest in technologies that enable e-waste to be treated in a more environmentally-friendly way, and to encourage repair and reuse before considering recycling. Consumers, by being better informed, can play a key role in making more responsible choices, such as repairing their devices or recycling them properly.
At the same time, governments need to strengthen legislation, impose more ambitious recycling and eco-design targets, and support businesses in the transition to more circular business models. A change in mentality, where e-waste management is seen as an opportunity rather than a burden, is essential to ensure a sustainable future for the planet and for future generations.
Responsibility is shared, and it’s time to act for a more sustainable management of e-waste, where every gesture counts.