Gestión de los RAEE en la isla de La Palma: revisión del modelo actual y estudio de alternativas

Abstract

It is evident that, over the last decade, the technology industry has had a considerable global expansion, which may represent a great business opportunity in the coming years if the appropriate policies are implemented and the frameworks for action regarding the management of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are respected. This growth will bring with it a significant increase in waste belonging to the sector, which will generate a large stock of raw materials available for sale on the market, or as a supply for industry or other types of industry. The generation and management of waste is a serious environmental problem in modern societies, hence the existence of a European waste policy. The abandonment or inadequate management of waste has a significant impact on the receiving environments and can cause pollution of water, soil and air, contribute to climate change and affect ecosystems and human health. However, when waste is properly managed, it becomes a resource that contributes to saving raw materials, conserving natural resources and the climate and, in short, to sustainable development. In Spain, more specifically in La Palma, Canary Islands, the current model of management of this kind of electronic waste could be improved and updated, since It is mostly based on storage techniques. Changing this way of management could result in a more efficient and self-sufficient process related to this type of waste.