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Title The Legal Transition towards a More Circular Electrical and Electronic Equipment Chain-A Case Study of The Netherlands
ID_Doc 21547
Authors de Waal, IM
Title The Legal Transition towards a More Circular Electrical and Electronic Equipment Chain-A Case Study of The Netherlands
Year 2023
Published Sustainability, 15.0, 2
DOI 10.3390/su15020935
Abstract The transition towards a circular economy in the EU requires that the legal framework does not create (legal) barriers, but rather enables or stimulates this transition. At this moment, however, the existing literature argues that the current legal system that governs the life cycle of materials and products-EU chemicals, product and waste legislation-might hamper the transition. This article looks into the legal framework for the transition of the product stream of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and more specifically into the general and specific applicable EU chemicals, product and waste legislation, as well as its implementation in the Netherlands. By means of both doctrinal and empirical legal research, this article identifies legal barriers, gaps and incentives in the current legal framework that governs the life cycle of EEE in light of the transition towards a circular economy (CE). To enable or stimulate the CE transition in the EEE chain, it appears that it would be desirable to improve the interaction within this legal system and better align it with the objectives of the CE and life cycle thinking. Moreover, this research shows that a different approach within EU chemicals, product and waste legislation could be beneficial for the CE transition. With regard to EEE, a holistic approach could enable a more circular EEE chain, either within the current sector-approach, or with a more product-specific or material-specific approach within the EU chemicals, product and waste legislation governing EEE.
Author Keywords circular economy (CE); electrical and electronic equipment (EEE); waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE); EU chemicals legislation; EU product legislation; EU waste legislation
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000927221600001
WoS Category Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Environmental Sciences; Environmental Studies
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/2/935/pdf?version=1672838324
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