Investigating reuse of B2C WEEE in Ireland

The environmental impact associated with electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is relatively large throughout its life cycle when compared to other durable consumer products. Prioritisation of reuse of WEEE is one approach that has been proposed to reduce manufacturing impacts and contribute to a reduction in this lifecycle burden. This paper aims to address two key issues in the area of reuse of EEE. (1) When should an appliance be reused and (2) what general conditions must be present for a successful reuse industry to operate? Surveys were conducted for five European reuse enterprises with the aim of determining the WEEE categories\products with the most significant potential for reuse and to examine the critical success factors for these enterprises to operate. Preliminary proposals to integrate reuse/refurbishment practices into the Irish WEEE waste management structure are outlined. The social dimensions of reuse are also discussed.