A Gap Analysis in Selected Asian Countries, 3R Knowledge Hub ...

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3R Gap Analysis and Findings
More than 80% of the children in Guiyu town
(known as e-waste terminus) suffer from lead
poisoning and the general cancer rate is higher
than average (The Nation Newspaper in
Business Extra section, 2007).
E-waste recycling – Guiyu town, Guandong
Province, South China.
Image source: Basel Action Network 2006
Stack of old keyboards (Nayang, 2005)
Wire stripping from discarded electronics
Image source: Natalie Behring /Greenpeace
Wire stripping from discarded electronics
Image source: Natalie Behring /Greenpeace
GAPS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF 3R
Worldwide, experiences indicate that applying
3R is a lucrative way of tackling waste
management issues. The first step in this
exercise is an assessment of the technology
options available for implementing 3R-based
solutions. Proactive policies and relevant
legislations emphasizing 3R-based solutions are
vital to achieve a higher success rate form the
next step. While recycling is considered as
technological ability, reduce and reuse is often
considered management or policy oriented. In
this context, the following sections present
information on the technology and management
aspects with focus on recycling and reduce/
reuse, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY GAPS
With the initiation of Circular Economy, Waste
Management has been the priority issue for
most sectors. Local authorities have been facing
tough situations in managing solid waste with
the available technologies and human
resources. In recent times, inorganic
components and packaging waste has been
dominating the urban waste streams. Priorities
must be set to implement 3R technology options
in either converting them to Plastic Derived
Fuels or recycling them. For instance, the recent
catalytic-pyrolysis reactor should be designed to
suit the mixed waste plastics under small and
middle scaled production. A novel and more
efficient catalyst ought to be studied for the
process of pyrolysis to catalytic-pyrolysis
upgrade technique.
However, it is widely believed that applying
appropriate technologies can result in effective
solutions to the crisis. The status of
technologies currently used in China with a
special focus on 3R in urban municipal,
healthcare and e-waste are given in the adjacent
table.
MANAGEMENT ASPECTS
In China, the following strength and gaps were
noticed after reviewing literatures and resources
related to the Current Situation of National
Policies, Legislative Measures and other
Initiatives.