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Collection, as the first stage of the recycling process, and pre-processing to increase waste stream purity constitute key operations for achieving high recycling rates and a closed loop in the circular economy. For wastepaper recycling in Hong Kong, it is the semi-formal-informal recycling (SFIR) sector that plays a central role in both stages. This study analyses the so far little explored SFIR stakeholder network in Hong Kong and sheds light on value chains, recovered waste paper quantities and the impact of policies on the sector. The findings show that SFIR stakeholders reclaim 55.6 t/recycling station/month of wastepaper and thereby achieve about a 5.7 times higher reclaim rate than the formal-private recycling system. Critical to this achievement is the SFIR transaction network, which enables its stakeholders to develop a value chain and thereby generate an added value of around 1900 HKD (243.9 USD/t) for wastepaper. Given limited circular structures in Hong Kong, financial subsidies are critical to sustain the SFIR's operations over the short-term. However, over the long-term legalization and integration of its stakeholders are necessary to ensure an economically and socially sustainable wastepaper recovery system in Hong Kong. [Display omitted] • Qualitative & quantitative analysis of the semi-formal-informal recycling (SFIR) sector. • The SFIR's wastepaper value chain achieves a cumulative added value of 1900 HKD/t. • The SFIR recovered 5.7 times higher capacities than the formal system in 2021. • Financial support can enhance the SFIR sector's recovery capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling plays a significant role in e-waste management in developing countries, such as Ghana, where over 90% is handled by the informal sector. However, the informal treatment of e-waste poses a risk to human health and the environment due to the release of toxic pollutants. There is a lack of data on e-waste management and informal processing, and the material flows of output fractions and the fate of hazardous fractions are largely unknown. This hinders the development of appropriate management strategies. Herein, Material Flow Analysis (MFA) was used to investigate five important informal e-waste recycling processes, and risk analysis was used to evaluate environmental, economic, and health safety. On average of all assessed processes, 40.3% of the emerging fractions are landfilled or burned whereof the processing of ICT appliances (desktop PC, laptops and phones) (P1) contributes with 19.4%, CRT appliances (P2) with 11.7%, compressors from cooling appliances (P3) with 0.1%, microwaves (P4) with 1.3% and printers (P5) with 7.7 % to the landfilled or burned fractions. The risk assessment showed that there are considerable risks in environmental, economic and health safety for all processes. When considering the overall risk assessment across all categories, the priority for action to have the most substantial impact is as follows: P2>P5>P3>P1>P4. The key findings of this research focus on the assessment of the so far not known informal e-waste process workflows, the identification of emerging fractions, the remain of potentially hazardous fractions and the identification of the primary economic drivers in informal e-waste dismantling. Recommended action areas involve the incorporation of the informal sector, guided by the insights derived from the MFA and risk assessment. The results of this study are of importance for addressing the challenges faced by the informal sector and for making well-informed decisions when strategizing e-waste management infrastructure. [Display omitted] • Material flow analysis of important informal e-waste recycling processes in Ghana. • Mapping of the remain of valuable and hazardous fractions. • Process evaluation and risk analysis for environmental, economic and health safety. • Technical and socio-economic potentials for improvement suggestions derived. • Identification of urgent fields of actions for political decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of the informal recycling sector (IRS) in a circular economy (CE) is challenging and it is gaining increasing attention by the academic community in an exponential yet fragmented way. In this narrative review, we demarcate the direct and indirect contributions of the IRS to various domains of the CE by drawing knowledge from relevant literature. First, we capture the modi operandi of different forms of recycling value chains into a typology. We do so based on distinct foci and policy approaches towards the IRS which have been adopted across different countries. Second, we synthesize various threads of information on reported forms of collaboration, tensions, and challenges in the context of urban waste management, into a conceptual framework to facilitate transitions towards circular and inclusive wise-waste systems. Finally, we discuss important aspects related to circular business models and integration approaches towards the IRS, and we propose avenues for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mounting environmental pressures led China to focus on the effectiveness of the environmental regulation to control pollution. Since the shadow economy, or underground economic activities that are not included in official statistics, accounts for an increasing fraction of China's economy, its impacts on environmental quality should be carefully evaluated. In this study, the main research questions are as follows: 1) What is the extent of the effect of environmental regulation on environmental quality? and 2) What are the factors that influence the impact of environmental regulation on environmental pollution? A theoretical model is developed to explain the relationship among the environmental regulation, shadow economy, and environmental quality in China. An empirical analysis is conducted to test the three propositions of the model, thereby examining the explanatory power of the theoretical model. Concretely, using panel data from 30 provinces for the period of 1998–2012, the generalized method of moments (GMM) method is employed to control for potential endogeneity and introduce dynamic effects. The estimation results indicate that stringent environmental regulation and the level of the shadow economy are both positively related to China's environmental pollution; however, the results also indicate that tighter environmental control would help reduce pollution at a given level of the shadow economy. Moreover, an increase in the proportion of corrupt officials may weaken the environmental regulation, which would consequently lead to the increase in illegal production and total pollutant emissions. Besides, many economic and social factors may also affect the environmental quality. For instance, the development of secondary industry contributes toward an increase in pollutant emissions; however, increased research and development (R&D) spending on eco-friendly industrial operations can help to reduce pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, a great number of ELVs in China are treated informally, that is without government supervision. Because of conflicting standpoints concerning Chinese ELV treatment, there is a need to compare different treatment scenarios based on their impacts on society as a whole. We extracted three scenarios (i.e. the advanced formal sector, the informal sector and the common formal sector) that represent the current state of Chinese ELV treatment, and tried to examine them for societal effects. A framework was proposed for modeling the social value and cost of ELV treatment in the three scenarios, which considers externalities in both the consumption and treatment process stages. A wide variety of data resources were employed and critical externalities were monetized using several valuation methods. It was found that Chinese ELV treatment causes huge loss to society due to the extensive existence of informal sector. Of the three scenarios, the informal sector ranks last for net social value due to the higher costs of traffic accidents and airborne emission caused by the low-quality products, environmental costs of environmental-unfriendly treatment process and taxation losses. However, it ranks top for net private value because of the higher sales in products. Only the net social value in the advanced formal sector is positive because of its consideration to environmental protection. The integration of these two sectors is therefore suggested to be worth considering to improve the status quo. The results also show that the absence of waste disposal fee and decontamination costs results in much higher social cost in the common formal sector than in the advanced formal sector, which indicates the exante environmental measure is superior to the ex-post environmental measure for Chinese ELV treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Inequalities affecting the circular economy of plastic waste remain largely unknown. • We address this gap through a case study of Thailand. • Social inequalities are embedded in and perpetuated by the circular economy model. • These inequalities therefore compromise the model's overall objectives. • State deficiencies exacerbate informal sector inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By 2030 the sales of electric vehicles (EV) are set to increase 6 to 30 folds compared to the levels of 2019 thereby leading to an increase of discarded EV batteries. This creates a challenge to sustainably handle the waste by repurpose and recycling the EV batteries. In this paper, a method to analyze the usage of EV batteries throughout their life cycle in light of their contributions to a circular economy is proposed. The study is divided into two stages which are modelled with mixed-integer linear optimization. Stage 1 considers the optimal charging strategy for an EV and stage 2 represents the second-life of the EV battery as stationary energy storage in a residential building. Six scenarios were created for both stages; stage 1 includes smart charging and/or Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and stage 2 adds demand side management and/or PV self-consumption maximization to stage 1. A sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the impact of electricity prices. The results are analysed to assess the operational lifetime and economic savings for an EV owner. The results show that using second-life batteries in a residentail building can extend the lifetime of an EV battery by 3–5 years while allowing savings above 23%. • A two stage algorithm was developed for optimal charging strategy of an EV and SLB. • Six scenarios were modelled to quantify the savings and lifetime of an EV battery. • The usage of an EV battery for SLB can extend the lifetime from 3 to 5 years. • Compared to the baseline scenario SLB can result in economic savings of 24%–77%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is quite common to find that formal and informal sectors compete in the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling markets in developing countries. The formal sector consists of recyclers with dismantling qualifications, while the informal sector includes recyclers without qualifications. The two sectors compete on the used products' acquisition quantities which depend on both the acquisition prices and collection services. By constructing two-stage game models, the paper studies the two sectors' competitive strategy, i.e., focusing on higher price or better service. We also examine how subsidies on the formal sector affect its decisions under two schemes of subsidies, namely, subsidy on acquisition quantity and subsidy on acquisition cost. The social welfare under two schemes of subsidies is compared under the same budget. Results show that as the collection cost of the formal sector decreases, the formal sector will adopt the service strategy by investing in its collection service, even at a cost disadvantage compared with the informal sector, while the informal sector will lower service level and raise acquisition price. A rise in subsidy level will also encourage the formal sector to use the service strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Circular policies need to be aligned to circular and sustainability goals. • Circular policies should build upon pros and cons of a current linear system. • Assessment and scenario methods can be combined to inform circular policies. • Extended Producer Responsibility for PET plastic in Jakarta should be collective. • Extended producer responsibility should build on informal sector in waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the collection channels of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE or e-waste) and household recycling behaviors in Taizhou city of China. Taking a questionnaire survey as the main approach, it explores the household generation of eighteen types of e-wastes and analyses the distribution of six disposal alternatives. Besides, it also assesses the determinants of choosing collection channels and evaluates households' attitudes in voluntary return of e-waste. The study found that informal collection is the primary disposal channel of urban household e-waste. A considerable proportion of the obsolete appliances are stored at home, given to others, or discarded, but the amount of e-waste flowing to formal collectors remains small. Compared with formal counterparts, informal collectors are advantageous in the aspects of collection scope, convenience of service, flexibility, and accessibility. An integrated collection system which includes the informal collectors and effective incentive schemes should be designed to fit with the characteristics of Chinese household disposal habits and the socioeconomic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a pioneering study of the interactive relationship between shadow economy and environmental pollution by applying the data of the 31 provinces in China from 2005 to 2015. Side effects of shadow economy including environment pollution have been proved by plenty of articles, yet still have not attracted enough public attentions. If the severe pollution will in turn further increase the size of the shadow economy, then the environmental situation in the present will lead to an even worse unhealthy economy growth path. This paper firstly adopts MIMIC (Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes) method to calculate the size of shadow economy, then uses the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) specification to analyze the interplay between shadow economy and pollution in association with environmental regulation, economic growth, foreign direct investment and educational level. The results show that shadow economy and pollution do have a positive interaction between each other, statistically significant at 1% level. Also, both pollution and shadow economy have a U-shaped non-linear relationship with environmental regulation, but an inverse U-shaped non-linear relationship with economic growth. Finally, foreign direct investment (FDI) and education level have positive linear impacts on both pollution and shadow economy, too. But the effect from FDI is weak and less significant. Image 1 • The percentage of shadow economy on GDP is calculated based on MIMIC model. • The possible interaction relationship between shadow economy and pollution is explored. • Environmental regulation and economic growth have non-linear effect on both shadow economy and pollution. • FDI and education level have linear effect on both shadow economy and pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many municipalities, particularly in developing countries, have a lack of information to guide decision-making to improve municipal solid waste management (MSWM). They need tools that systematize the collection and analysis of data, and then assess all aspects of the system, including both technical and non-technical ones. This work presents a field study covering 66 Mexican municipalities. A new set of indicators was selected based on the analysis of the information available, which can serve as a tool for evaluating some aspects of the governance of the MSWM system in similar contexts with an incipient implementation of the system. The set encompasses thirteen basic indicators divided into three categories: legislation and policies, employee development, and economy. For each indicator, reference values were established that allow the performance to be classified by means of a traffic light system. As a complement, a protocol for evaluating the quality of information was applied to reveal the uncertainty of the results obtained. The lowest ratios of response were obtained for the economic aspects and the disposal stage, due to the lack of separation and control of the MSWM budget, and to the large proportion of open dumps in the studied zone. A strong correlation was detected between the development and implementation of legislation and policies on waste management and correct operation, as well as a widespread presence of the informal sector in the service. Moreover, the absence of official fees for the service makes it difficult to recover expenses directly. • Basic indicators to monitor governance in MSWM identified based on 66 study cases. • Thirteen indicators encompass legislation, economy and employee development. • Reference values as a baseline for incipient MSWM in similar contexts. • Strong effect of legislation and policies on the performance of the waste system. • Key role of informal sector and absence of specific budget for waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic waste is a secondary source of valuable and precious metals. In recent trends, urban mining of these metals has received significant attention due to its profitable prospects, extended business opportunity, source of livelihood and ultimately achieving agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. At the same time, the significant E-waste turns out to be an overwhelming challenge due to the presence of toxic chemical substances. The colossal E-waste generation has created multi-dimensional challenges over existing treatment options with its deleterious impacts on human health and environment. Most of the developed countries are having potential E-waste management technologies, technical knowhow and well-established system boundary. However, the case is not the same with the developing countries due to several challenges and lack of relevant strategies. Lack of data inventorization, illegal dumping, and non-availability of treatment options are the major challenges affecting the entire E-waste value chain in India. Hence, this paper deals with the strategic interventions conforming existing regulations which are crucial for a sustainable E-waste value chain, secured resources, societal well-being, reduced environmental impacts and overall sustainable development. Furthermore, relevant strategies i.e., eco-product design, circular resource management, extended producer responsibility, polluter pays' principle, life cycle assessment, 4R principle and bioleaching were identified and discussed as a future direction for Indian context. Formalizing the informal sector into a transparent recycling system is crucial which is highly recommended. Image 1 • Urban Mining of E-waste has emerged as extended business opportunity. •EPR & PPP are accorded as best policy tools for accelerating circular economy model. •Formalizing informal sector is crucial for sustainable E-waste value chain in India. •Eco-friendly resource recovery from E-waste is suitable for Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]