Sustainable WEEE management solution for developing countries applying human activity system modeling

Abstract

Purpose

Waste of electric and electronic equipments (WEEE) disposal methods adopted by most of the countries are based on adhocism and therefore cannot provide sustainable solution. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for sustainable WEEE management based on Human Activity Modeling. The macro model is developed to provide a problem-solving approach for policy makers and to aid them in determining strategic directions in policy making.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research paradigm is used to review WEEE management in developed and developing countries and Activity Theory (AT) approach is extended into environmental management domain to design a sustainable system.

Findings

The approach recommends that the real world complexity must first be analyzed by “problem modeling” of the contemporary activity in the environment and then based on this mapping “solution modeling” must be carried out to obtain sustainable solutions.

Research limitations/implications

The solution recommended is based on theoretical foundations but still a need for experimental evidence is felt to further strengthen the argument. Second further studies are needed to cascade the strategic-level model presented in the study to connect it with the community-level interaction.

Practical implications

Strategic policy recommendations are given to modify the role of three major actors identified in the society and resultantly attain socio-economic balance among the actors for obtaining sustainable solution.

Originality/value

The study advocates a new paradigm for solving environmental management issues by using AT approach, focussing on redesigning human interaction in socio-cultural perspectives.

Citation

Shah Khan, S., Lodhi, S.A. and Akhtar, F. (2015), "Sustainable WEEE management solution for developing countries applying human activity system modeling", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 84-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-05-2014-0072