WEEE/E-waste Business Model - International Environmental ...

From the regulatory perspective, definition of electrical and electronic equipment is not
covered under the existing regulations. One of the major gaps, which have been
identified, is the lack of clear definition of E-waste under existing regulations. There is
very little difference between definition of used EEE and E-waste. Role of collector/
transporter is defined only in the context of hazardous waste and solid waste. There is
no specific definition of generator or producer of E-waste. However, definition of importer
of Used EEE is mentioned in the existing regulation. There is a need to cover E-waste
either under existing regulations or a separate regulation depending on the time frame
and capacity of regulatory agencies to implement it. Since draft 3R strategy is being
formulated in the country, E-waste can also be brought under its purview so that
necessary regulatory interventions can be planned and implemented.
EEE market in PPM is organized in three different types of market segments i.e. shops
selling brand new EEE, shops selling brand new as well as second hand EEE and
shops selling second hand EEE. The majority of EEE market in PPM is organized in
mixed market conditions with shops selling a combination of new and second hand items
and shops selling second hand items. The market share of second hand EEE is
increasing every year, although, some of brand-new items are cheaper. Consumers
prefer branded EEE even when it is second hand. Shops selling second hand EEE have
multiple functions of selling, repairing, refurbishing and dismantling. Geographically, it is
organized in different hubs catering to ICT and white goods sector. It is observed that
the major hubs of AC refurbishing / dismantling also serve as major hubs for refrigerator
refurbishing/ repair and dismantling. Major hubs for TV and PC are located at different
places. However, hubs at Chamkamorn and Toul Kok serve as two major hubs for TV
and PCs. Chamkamorn, Toulkok and Meanchay also serve as major repairing/
refurbishing centre for washing machine. Therefore, four functions can be geographically
addressed at one place while considering future interventions. There are twelve
processes, which need to be considered for environmentally sound management while
planning for future interventions since no chemical processing is occurring within
municipal boundary of PPM. The E-waste trade value chain consisting of stakeholders
implementing twelve processes indicates that future interventions are required at level 1
and level 2 consisting of primary E-waste generators and secondary E-waste generator.
Considering the 1 st and 2 nd level E-waste treatment, plant specifications have been
defined and financial viability has been assessed. The volume of E-waste item to be
collected and transported till 2020 based on E-waste inventory estimates in Phnom Penh
ranges from 4490 m 3 to 32923 m 3 for washing machine, 5140 m 3 to 6925 m 3 for personal
computers, 9m 3 to 46m 3 for mobile phones, 2918 m 3 to 9573 m 3 for refrigerator, 1458 m 3
to 5976 m 3 for Air Conditioners and 1557 m 3 to 2618 m 3 for washing machine. This is
based on 50% availability of E-waste for recycling. Depending upon the type of E-waste,
different types of bins/ cages have been identified and recommended. The collected Ewaste
in container will be lifted manually, through fork lifts, placed into small trucks/
container carriers and transported from the collection facility to E-waste treatment
facility. Depending on the collection efficiency and availability of the input raw material,
the facility can start with one shredder of half the capacity followed by the second. There
is huge variation in the prices of the treatment system starting from US$ 789700 to US$
3.1 million depending on type of technology. The output from the E-waste recycling
system will be sold/ exported to metal recyclers outside Cambodia. E-waste export
market is expected to follow the same trend as that of global market for precious metals.
The analysis of the price graphs indicates that metal market peaks and bottoms out in a
ten year period. E-waste purchase price in PPM has ranged from US$ 1/kg to US$ 4/kg
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