Article: Environmental product attributes in end-of-life management in the UK. Part II: problems encountered with informational systems for the management of end-of-life IT and office equipment Journal: International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP) 2002 Vol.18 No.2 pp.126-137 Abstract: The focus of this paper and its companion (Part I) is to identify producer responsibility associated with the proposed Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and the need for greater information about the environmental attributes of electrical and electronic equipment to facilitate end-of-life management of discarded products. Part II Data were gathered from a series of telephone interviews conducted to determine the environmental attributes needed to facilitate treatment and general handling of discarded IT and office equipment. Analysis of the interview transcripts highlighted potential difficulties that may cause problems for the exchange of information required by Article 10 of the proposed Directive. Special reference is made to the use of an end-of-life declaration for the communication of environmental information. Difficulties were encountered with perceptions and attitudes towards the validity, accuracy, and the communication of data are discussed. It is proposed that solutions would need to be derived at an industry-wide level to ensure compliance with the proposed Directive. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Environmental product attributes in end-of-life management in the UK. Part II: problems encountered with informational systems for the management of end-of-life IT and office equipment

Authors: A. Hume, S. Grimes, J. Boyce

Addresses: Centre for Environmental Research, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK. Centre for Environmental Research, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK. Fujitsu Services, Lovelace Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8SN, UK

Abstract: The focus of this paper and its companion (Part I) is to identify producer responsibility associated with the proposed Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and the need for greater information about the environmental attributes of electrical and electronic equipment to facilitate end-of-life management of discarded products. Part II Data were gathered from a series of telephone interviews conducted to determine the environmental attributes needed to facilitate treatment and general handling of discarded IT and office equipment. Analysis of the interview transcripts highlighted potential difficulties that may cause problems for the exchange of information required by Article 10 of the proposed Directive. Special reference is made to the use of an end-of-life declaration for the communication of environmental information. Difficulties were encountered with perceptions and attitudes towards the validity, accuracy, and the communication of data are discussed. It is proposed that solutions would need to be derived at an industry-wide level to ensure compliance with the proposed Directive.

Keywords: eco-declarations; end-of-life management; environmental product attributes; materials recycling; producer responsibility; reuse; waste from electrical and electronic equipment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2002.000700

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2002 Vol.18 No.2, pp.126-137

Published online: 14 Jul 2003 *

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Title: Environmental product attributes in end-of-life management in the UK. Part II: problems encountered with informational systems for the management of end-of-life IT and office equipment

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