Understanding population dynamics of WEEE recycling system in the developing countries: A SIR model

Literature indicates that it causes the growing concern over how the developing countries will manage largely volumes of e-waste (waste electrical and electronic equipment, WEEE) (Hicks et al., 2005). The reason is that e-waste disposal contains both highly valuable materials and toxic/hazardous substances, which may result in not only economical revenues but also negative impacts on human health and the environment when handling WEEE. Nowadays in South Africa, the formal sector, which is complying with international environmental standards, dominates handling WEEE industry. Whereas in some developing countries such as China, informal sector is the main WEEE processing system in which e-waste is treated by dangerous and inappropriate recycling practices (Widmer et al., 2005). Due to the nature of informal sector, the quality of informal processing activities and quantities of e-waste disposal are far than understood. Consequently, the existing situation of WEEE practices in the industrializing countries highlights the informal sector as a crucial and emerging issue, which is needed to be well understood and better governed.