Page 41 - Implementation of the ITU-T International Standards for the Sustainable Management of Electrical and Electronic Equipment: On the road to a circular economy in Argentina

Implementation of the ITU-T International Standards for the Sustainable Management of
Electrical and Electronic Equipment: On the road to a circular economy in Argentina

3 5 1 Results of the survey of EEE Producers and Importers

The players who responded to the survey have more than 20 years of experience in the production
or importing of EEE. More than 75 per cent stated that they are aware of the environmental
implications of inadequate final disposal of WEEE, as well as of the detailed composition of
the electrical and electronic products they import and/or produce. They also know the EEE
components that are potentially re-usable and the components that require special treatment
when they are discarded.

Seventy-five per cent of respondents stated that they know the institutional competencies and
the adequate WEEE management mechanisms at the national level, including the existing
sanctions.

One hundred per cent of respondents reported that they know the EPR concept and that they
carry out actions on their own within the framework of this concept focused on the proper
management of WEEE; however, only one respondent provided the annual investment
earmarked for these actions.

Figure 8: Main obstacles to proper treatment of e-waste from the respondents' point
of view

Source: Own elaboration, 2021.

The main obstacles pointed out by respondents was the identification of gaps in the current
regulation, followed by the high costs of WEEE management, and consumer awareness and
commitment; the responses are an important input to set up national policies on proper WEEE
management.

Seventy-five per cent of respondents indicated that the best way to facilitate the proper
management of EEE is to improve the coordination among players, from which it can be
concluded that although EEE producers and importers have the required knowledge, the
communication channels with WEEE generators and WEEE managers must be strengthened.

When respondents were asked about their willingness to pay for a collection and treatment
service of waste generated by their customers, 75 per cent responded positively, which shows
a high degree of commitment and interest in the proper management of WEEE and the need
to implement generalized actions at governmental level to promote the implementation of
such services.

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