Potentials of preparation for reuse: A case study at collection points in the German state of Bavaria

Abstract

This research addresses the second priority of the waste management hierarchy and the demand for a circular economy. First, we develop a methodology for the quantitative assessment of potentially reusable wastes. Second, based on empirically retrieved primary data following the developed methodology, this study quantifies a theoretical potential for the preparation for reuse of Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), used furniture, and used leisure goods in the German state of Bavaria. We find that between 13% and 16% of these waste streams could immediately be prepared for reuse, depending on the type of waste. A further potential of 13% to 29% could be unlocked through changes to the mode of collection, storage and the overall treatment of wastes at Bavaria collection points. Most notably, 86% of identifiable damage causes of WEEE are attributed to a lack of sufficient weatherproof roofing. Conclusively, we derive four key action recommendation for unlocking existing potentials.

Enabling Reuse in Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes for White Goods: Legal and Organisational Conditions for Connecting Resource Flows and Actors

“…White goods are among the consumer waste streams with the highest potential for reuse [ 4 , 17 , 18 ]. Often consumers are less interested in the aesthetics of such ‘workhorse’ products and more interested in value and price [ 30 ].…”

“…26% of larger WEEE products can be re-sold directly, whereas another 23% could be reused after repairs and sold at a profit [ 32 ]. Other studies found this estimation to be a little optimistic and indicated smaller shares of reusable and repairable equipment but argued that this may depend upon the condition of the white goods as damages are sometimes inflicted during storage and transport [ 4 , 17 , 33 ].…”

“…This paper focuses specifically on the case of preparation for reuse of white goods from producer responsibility organisation (PRO) waste streams, including repair, refurbishment and reuse operations of end-of-life (EOL) products in the wider setting of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. White goods are among the consumer waste streams with the highest potential for reuse [ 4 , 17 , 18 ], and therefore it serves as an illustrative case to identify the organisational challenges and the required policy interventions. The case study of white goods in EPR schemes will facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the specific conditions for preparation of reuse of discarded appliances in light of research on more general context of repair, refurbishments and reuse.…”

A Preparation for Reuse Trial of Washing Machines in Ireland

“…However, the overall quantity of goods undergoing such recovery operations for remarketing is minimal. Messmann et al [25] identify a strong need for a distinct quota for re-use, since legislation promotes the preparation for reuse as the preferred waste management option compared to recycling, which is contrary to current practice. Relevant research analyzes organizational structures, the legal framework, and generic recommendations for enforcing the second priority of the waste hierarchy on a qualitative basis, targeting WEEE.…”

“…An earlier survey [36] among 1450 households in England suggests a comparable reuse potential of 49% for WEEE. Messman et al [25] have considered the preparation for reuse situation in the German state of Bavaria. The authors assessed waste stream properties and potentials across 61 collection points in Bavaria, analysing the quality, damages and other properties of the returned items and their potential for preparation for re-use.…”