WEEE management: systematization process in Costa Rica

Abstract

This paper presents the steps followed in Costa Rica to implement a waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management system, its challenges, successes and limitations. It explains in detail the two phases in which a strategy for WEEE management was developed and implemented. The process resulted in the approval of a WEEE Decree that prohibits discarding WEEE together with household waste, the creation of a National Executive Committee with representatives of importers, consumers and government, which will establish the quotes, treatment fees, among others. Another outcome was the development of a strategy for the implementation of WEEE management for the country, the creation of awareness on the population about their responsibility on WEEE management and the example set up for other Latin American countries. The paper provides conclusions in relation to the regulation and the required consistency with the existing National waste legislation in order to reduce approval times. Additionally, the importance of the participation of stakeholders representing different electric and electronic equipment (EEE) sectors with the purpose of obtaining consensus on the agreements.