Electrical equipment and electronic waste management in Maringá/PR

The increased consumption of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) linked with decreased shelf--life of these products significantly influence to increase the amount of electric and electronic waste generated. In developed countries, there are already several laws prohibiting the use of various toxic substances in EEE and they also have established extended liability for manufacturers. In Brazil, the most important law on the management of WEEE is the National Solid Waste Policy, which establishes the obligation of reverse logistics for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of EEE. The aim of this study is to analyze the management of WEEE in Maringá / PR, through a case study in a cooperative recycling ‘waste electronics.’ For data collection, a questionnaire was developed with twelve questions about the activities of the cooperative. The questionnaire was answered through on-site observation and interviews with cooperative members whereby it was was possible to identify aspects of the WEEE management in Maringá / PR.