Resources efficient product provision - Closing the resources loop for waste mobile phones and smartphones

Scarcity of natural resources and supply chain risks represent one of today's most vital topics. This issue very much applies to the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sector, as its production requires a mixture of various different kinds of raw materials, metals and precious metals, partly classified as critical by the European Commission. Since the beginning of the 1990's, the global market of EEE continuously grew at a high rate, and it is expected to continue to grow, while the lifetime of these products reduces as a result of rapid technological innovations and changes in consumers' interaction with the products they buy. According to Khurrum, M., Bhutta, S., et al., 2011 the United Nations University estimates that 20 to 50 tons of Waste from EEE (WEEE) are being generated each year globally (Khurrum, M., Bhutta, S., et al., 2011). In Europe, WEEE is the fastest growing solid waste stream and it is predicted to reach 12 million tonnes in 2020 (Computer Aid International, 2010). WEEE is expected to increase by roughly 11% between 2008 and 2014 (European Commission, 2011). The paper analyses the monetary value of metals in mobile phones and smartphones sold during 2004-2013 in Germany, as well as the value of the valuable metals stock which is not being put to use. Furthermore, issues and challenges in the management of WEEE; in particular of mobile phone and smartphone waste streams with the goal of identifying the potential of closing the resources loop will be assessed.