Reverse remanufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment and the circular economy

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the article is to analyze the chain of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its
waste (WEEE), within the product chain of Recicladora Urbana (Reurbi), and its interaction with the circular
economy.
Design/methodology/approach – Exploratory research with a qualitative approach, based on the study
case method, was conducted. The following stages were carried out: definition of the study object; bibliographic
survey; documentary survey; technical visit to Reurbi; contacts with experts; creation of research instruments
and research execution.
Findings – The main recipients of remanufactured EEE are third sector organizations that run social
programs and schools with few financial resources. Recycling firms receive parts and components from the
WEEE handled by Reurbi.
Research limitations/implications – The authors only addressed the WEEE reverse remanufacturing
chain of Reurbi; therefore, the authors cannot extend the results to an industrial sector.
Practical implications – One practical contribution is disclosing the remanufacturing processes of EEE and
the recycling processes of its waste, fostered by the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), under a circular
economy policy.
Social implications – There is a large market potential for reverse logistics of WEEE and end-of-life EEE as
a source of raw material, which is yet to be explored in Brazil, for creating new jobs and revenue.
Originality/value – The publication of articles with the main reflections from the results can prov