An estimated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-wastes) was generated globally in 2022 according to the latest
Global E-waste Monitor. However, only around 22 per cent of this was formally collected to be re-used or recycled. To help address this challenge, the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) works to promote the circularity of e-waste through a regulatory approach. Together with key partners, we have developed resources that will help policymakers in the development of regulations that address these challenges.
The Policy practices for e-waste management: Tools for a balanced and fair circular economy - Second edition toolkit was published through the collaboration between ITU and Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST). Based on ITU’s experience and lessons learned in e-waste management and circular economy, the toolkit was developed for policymakers and other industry actors. It provides them with a practical and step-by-step guide in establishing an inclusive and fair e-waste management system as enhanced by the concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR).
The toolkit shares insights from ICT and environmental sectors experts that will strengthen decision-making capacities of policymakers and industry actors, especially in countries where e-waste policy is not in place or is in early development stages.
This second edition of the toolkit has been enhanced to cover all phases of policy and regulatory developments — from initial preparation to stakeholder consultation. This includes details on implementation, internal and external checks, as well as critical success factors. The toolkit sets out specific requirements for national and local government policymakers, encouraging an all-actors approach based on EPR principle for e-waste management.
Partners
The second edition of the Toolkit was produced by ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), with financial support from CST, under the two-year project "
Developing and implementing e-waste policy and regulation for a circular economy." This project focuses on implementing national e-waste regulations in Paraguay, Rwanda, and Zambia. Significant stakeholder engagement has supported these countries in identifying the right steps to establish a circular e-waste management system. Their experiences and the lessons learned throughout the project are reflected in the Toolkit.