GREEN ECONOMY AND THE REVERSE LOGISTICS OF WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN THE WORLD

Abstract

The way globally accepted for the representation of economic growth, and the evolution of a country, does not take into accounts the environmental assets and liabilities. This article suggests a shift this paradigm by implementing green economy concept and environmental goals to achieve an appropriate level in terms of pollution at a lower cost to society. The focus of the study is given to the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), particularly in the reverse logistics of WEEE as a potential tool for economic growth maintenance condition with sustainability. A diagnosis on the use of reverse logistics of WEEE in the world is also presented based on research conducted in countries on five continents. At the end of the study it was concluded that the application of reverse logistics in the world is still incipient with no evidence of the use of economic instruments that give opportunity for growth and sustainability. Accordingly, it is emphasized that the management of WEEE practiced in most countries has shown motivation solely on financial profit based on the export/import of waste in a kind of ruse coated green taking into account the environmental and health risks of the population in developing or in development countries, which are the main final destination of WEEE.