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5.      Role of the different stakeholders for the sustainable management of
                    e-waste

            The role of different stakeholders in the sustainable management of e-waste should be determined by the life cycle
            of EEE. The key is to clearly define these roles to ensure environmentally sustainable e-waste management in Latin
            America. Listed below are some of the most important actors in the process of sustainable e-waste management.
            Producers  or  manufacturers  of  EEE:  One  of  the  main  responsibilities  of  this  group  is  the  comprehensive
            management  and  disposal  of  e-waste.  Other  responsibilities  include:  accepting  the  legal  responsibility  that
            corresponds to their manufactured items that produce environmental damage if treated improperly; detailing the
            composition of the devices and how they should be treated at EoL; and raising awareness among consumers about
            the prohibition against disposing e-waste with household waste. Furthermore, they have to: establish an e-waste
            collection system that is easily accessible to citizens; ensure the proper management of the devices at all stages
            (collection, transportation, storage, treatment, utilization and/or recovery and/or final disposal); and bear the
            costs of selective collection and environmental waste management. During the manufacturing of the equipment,
            they should introduce some eco-design standards to facilitate recycling and reuse of materials at EoL.
            Consumers of EEE: Their role is fundamental, because they are the ones who decide to purchase or change the
            EEE item when it is replaced. While the user tries to access the latest technology, they should understand that their
            waste could be reused or recycled within the value chain of e-waste. The user has the responsibility to choose the
            correct products in order to try to extend the life of their devices to the fullest extent. Consumers should purchase
            devices that comply with the environmental standards to extend their life cycle and promote their reuse. These
            are some of the habits that can be implemented to avoid the increase of e-waste. It is also essential that users do
            not discard e-waste along with other household or business waste; they should instead opt to use established
            collection centres or places where proper treatment is applied.

            Waste management entities: These are the entities responsible for the management of e-waste throughout the
            entire chain of management and disposal. Their role is associated with each of the functions performed at the
            different stages of the process: collection, dismantling, treatment and disposal. Managers are responsible for
            ensuring  various  environmentally  responsible  processes.  This  type  of  management  includes  public  or  private
            organizations  involved  in  recycling,  refurbishment  and  disassembly  of  e-waste.  These  organizations  must  be
            approved and formalized as a requirement for participation in the process. They should also meet the technical,
            environmental  and  quality  standards  established  for  proper  e-waste  management.  Furthermore,  they  should
            ensure proper management procedures to maintain the original product’s quality standards. Managers should
            meet current environmental regulations and identify the risks associated with the management of e-waste, such
            as environmental pollution or illegal export to other countries.
            National and municipal governments: For its part, the state should establish laws to determine the producers’
            responsibility and their obligation to manage the equipment at EoL. Furthermore, it should encourage the reuse
            of EEE, inform consumers about the prohibition of discarding e-waste with household waste and, in turn, report
            that e-waste must be delivered to the designated collection points. It is recommended that governments devise
            policies for the management of e-waste, considering key aspects, such as:
            •     Developing a regulatory framework based on the principle of EPR whereby the most important aspects
                  concerning  e-waste  are  regulated.  This  framework  should  ensure  compliance  with  the  obligations  and
                  respect of the rights of each stakeholder involved in the system. It is recommended that they establish
                  actions and appropriate sanctions against those who do not comply with the established obligations in this
                  regard;
            •     Establishing policies for education, health and environment, in coordination with the private sector and civil
                  society organizations;
            •     Developing actions for environmental awareness and population health;
            •     Promoting  the  creation  and  formalization  of  companies  and  organizations  dedicated  to  refurbishment,
                  recycling and disposal of e-waste by streamlining procedures that authorize its operation;
            •     Implementing effective measures to control smuggling, illegal import and marketing of EEE, its components
                  and its parts;



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