E-Waste Prevention in Sweden: Fostering Computer Refurbishment and Reuse

Abstract: The thesis at hand aims to provide an overview of the reuse market(s) for desktop and laptop computers in Sweden in order to support policy-makers and computer reuse organisations in developing strategies and measures to foster computer reuse and thus reducing the volume of related e-waste as outlined in the national Waste Prevention Plan 2014-2017. Existing types of computer reuse organisations, the barriers they face and their types of suppliers and (receiving) customers were assessed via telephonic in-depth interviews with representatives of nine computer reuse organisations in Sweden. Research and analysis framework were developed along the typical reverse supply chain activities of computer reuse organisations consisting of sourcing, collection, inspection, preparation for reuse, redistribution and follow up-services. Combined with the five dimensions 'financial structure', 'business offer', 'supply chain' and '(receiving) customers' and 'purpose/corporate function' for assessing the operating model(s), three different types of computer reuse organisations were identified. Those with an IT Asset Management operating model accounted for the biggest group. It offers collection, data sanitation, preparation for reuse and remarketing and preparation (of new computers) services to their suppliers who were identified as private sector companies, public administration institutions and schools. The largest part of refurbished computers was sold to resellers, brokers and computer reuse organisations abroad. Social Enterprises mainly offer collection, data sanitation services for donated computers from municipalities, schools and individuals. They are resold solely domestically to eligible individuals and non-profit organisations. Computer reuse organisations with Close the Digital Divide operating model also offer collection and data sanitation services. Their suppliers typically consist of companies, public administration institutions and educational bodies as well as kretsloppsparks. Computers are resold mainly to non-profit and non-governmental organisations conducting projects in less-developed countries. Three common barriers which all types of computer reuse organisations were found to face consist of the lack of access to sufficient volumes of used computers, the concerns of potential suppliers about the safety of their data earlier stored on their computers hard-drives (despite the fact that solid data safety measures exist in basically all cases) and the lack of knowledge about the suitability and reliability of used computers by potential buyers for their needs. Besides, a variety of barriers could be identified which are specific to the single operating models and thus types of organisations though. Thus, in regard to tackle the three identified common barriers, policy-makers should focus on adjusting current legislation in such a way that its primary focus is shifted from recycling towards reuse, providing the necessary infrastructure for the non-consumer but also the consumer-stream. Furthermore, legislation should provide incentives or impose requirements on computer users ensuring and incentivising them to consider reuse of their computers instead of recycling them. Co-operations between different types of computer reuse organisations may also provide opportunities for increased supply with and reuse of computers. Computer reuse organisations are recommended to found an industry association to act as advising organ to support policy-makers but also to conduct joint information campaigns about the safety of computer refurbishing operations in regard to data handling but also the reliability and suitability of refurbished computers for potential customers‘ needs.