Abstract
The majority of developing countries are facing enormous challenges in implementing sustainable waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) management systems. Informal e-waste management practices in Ghana have become a critical challenge to the government and the various stakeholders owing to its environmental and health impacts. However, the effort to implement e-waste formalization management practices has been threatened with many barriers. This study aims to identify and evaluate barriers and pathways to the implementation of e-waste formalization management systems in Ghana. A three-phase methodology consisting of the Delphi method, the hybrid best–worst method and the fuzzy TOPSIS technique is employed. The first phase involves extensive literature review and the use of the Delphi method to identify barriers, pathways, and data collection for e-waste formalization. In the second phase, the best–worst method was employed to analyze the relative weight and ranking of the barriers. The third phase involves the application of fuzzy TOPSIS to rank and prioritize pathways to e-waste formalization systems. Fuzzy logic was applied to handle the subjectivity of decision-makers’ preferences. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to check the robustness of the framework and address any effect of bias. The outcome of the study indicates that economic and financial limitations are the most significant barriers to e-waste formalization. “Setting up resourced environmental government agencies for effective monitoring and auditing at the regional levels for appropriate e-waste management practices” is the most prominent pathway. The present study can potentially inform policy makers to develop systematic and strategic policies for the implementation of e-waste formalization management systems.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agrawal S, Singh RK, Murtaza Q (2016) Prioritizing critical success factors for reverse logistics implementation using fuzzy-TOPSIS methodology. J Industr Eng Int 12:15–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40092-015-0124-8
Agyemang M, Zhu Q, Adzanyo M, Antarciuc E, Zhao S (2018) Evaluating barriers to green supply chain redesign and implementation of related practices in the West Africa cashew industry. Resour Conserv Recycl 136:209–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.04.011
Ahmad S, Wong KY (2019) Development of weighted triple-bottom line sustainability indicators for the Malaysian food manufacturing industry using the Delphi method. J Clean Prod 229:1167–1182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.399
Ahmed S, Ahmed S, Shumon MRH, Falatoonitoosi E, Quader MA (2016) A comparative decision-making model for sustainable end-of-life vehicle management alternative selection using AHP and extent analysis method on fuzzy AHP. Int J Sust Dev World 23:83–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2015.1062814
Antarciuc E, Zhu Q, Almarri J, Zhao S, Feng Y, Agyemang M (2018) Sustainable venture capital investments: an enabler investigation. Sustain (Switzerland) 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10041204
Aparcana S (2017) Approaches to formalization of the informal waste sector into municipal solid waste management systems in low- and middle-income countries: review of barriers and success factors. Waste Manag 61:593–607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2016.12.028
Asamoah A, Essumang DK, Muff J, Kucheryavskiy SV, Søgaard EG (2018) Assessment of PCBs and exposure risk to infants in breast milk of primiparae and multiparae mothers in an electronic waste hot spot and non-hot spot areas in Ghana. Sci Total Environ 612:1473–1479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.177
Asante KA, Amoyaw-Osei Y, Agusa T (2019) E-waste recycling in Africa: risks and opportunities. Curr Opin Green Sust Chem 18:109–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2019.04.001
Awasthi A, Govindan K, Gold S (2018) Multi-tier sustainable global supplier selection using a fuzzy AHP-VIKOR based approach. Int J Prod Econ 195:106–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2017.10.013
Badri Ahmadi H, Kusi-Sarpong S, Rezaei J (2017) Assessing the social sustainability of supply chains using best worst method. Resour Conserv Recycl 126:99–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.07.020
Bakhiyi B, Gravel S, Ceballos D, Flynn MA, Zayed J (2018) Has the question of e-waste opened a Pandora’s box? An overview of unpredictable issues and challenges. Environ Int 110:173–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2017.10.021
Baxter J, Lyng K-A, Askham C, Hanssen OJ (2016) High-quality collection and disposal of WEEE: environmental impacts and resultant issues. Waste Manag 57:17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2016.02.005
Běhounek L, Daňková M (2019) Variable-domain fuzzy sets—part II: apparatus. Fuzzy Sets Syst 380:19–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fss.2019.04.026
Bhatia MS, Srivastava RK (2018) Analysis of external barriers to remanufacturing using grey-DEMATEL approach: an Indian perspective. Resour Conserv Recycl 136:79–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.03.021
Bouzon M, Govindan K, Rodriguez CMT, Campos LMS (2016) Identification and analysis of reverse logistics barriers using fuzzy Delphi method and AHP. Resour Conserv Recycl 108:182–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.05.021
Chen CT (2000) Extensions of the TOPSIS for group decision-making under fuzzy environment. Fuzzy Sets Syst 114:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-0114(97)00377-1
Chi X, Streicher-Porte M, Wang MYL, Reuter MA (2011) Informal electronic waste recycling: a sector review with special focus on China. Waste Manag 31:731–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2010.11.006
Coban A, Ertis IF, Cavdaroglu NA (2018) Municipal solid waste management via multi-criteria decision making methods: a case study in Istanbul, Turkey. J Clean Prod 180:159–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.01.130
Cucchiella F, D’Adamo I, Lenny Koh SC, Rosa P (2015) Recycling of WEEEs: an economic assessment of present and future e-waste streams. Renew Sust Energ Rev 51:263–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.06.010
Dalkey N, Helmer O (1963) An experimental application of the Delphi method to the use of experts. Manag Sci 9:458–467
Daum K, Stoler J, Grant RJ (2017) Toward a more sustainable trajectory for e-waste policy: a review of a decade of e-waste research in Accra, Ghana. Int J Environ Res Public Health 14:135. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020135
dos Muchangos LS, Tokai A, Hanashima A (2015) Analyzing the structure of barriers to municipal solid waste management policy planning in Maputo city, Mozambique. Environ Dev 16:76–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2015.07.002
Fei L, Lu J, Feng Y (2020) An extended best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method by belief functions and its applications in hospital service evaluation. Comput Ind Eng 142:142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2020.106355
Feldt T, Fobil JN, Wittsiepe J, Wilhelm M, Till H, Zoufaly A, Burchard G, Göen T (2014) High levels of PAH-metabolites in urine of e-waste recycling workers from Agbogbloshie, Ghana. Sci Total Environ 466-467:369–376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.06.097
Fernandez-Brana A, Sousa V, Dias-Ferreira C (2019) Are municipal waste utilities becoming sustainable? A framework to assess and communicate progress. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 26:35305–35316. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-05102-4
Fujimori T, Itai T, Goto A, Asante KA, Otsuka M, Takahashi S, Tanabe S (2016) Interplay of metals and bromine with dioxin-related compounds concentrated in e-waste open burning soil from Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana. Environ Pollut 209:155–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2015.11.031
Garlapati VK (2016) E-waste in India and developed countries: management, recycling, business and biotechnological initiatives. Renew Sust Energ Rev 54:874–881. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.10.106
Ghaffari S, Arab A, Nafari J, Manteghi M (2017) Investigation and evaluation of key success factors in technological innovation development based on BWM. Decis Sci lett 6:295–306. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.dsl.2016.12.001
Giannarou L, Zervas E (2014) Using Delphi technique to build consensus in practice. Int J Bus Sci Appl Manag 9:65–82
Giunipero LC, Hooker RE, Denslow D (2012) Purchasing and supply management sustainability: drivers and barriers. J Purch Supply Manag 18:258–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pursup.2012.06.003
Govindan K, Khodaverdi R, Jafarian A (2013) A fuzzy multi criteria approach for measuring sustainability performance of a supplier based on triple bottom line approach. J Clean Prod 47:345–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.04.014
Guerrero LA, Maas G, Hogland W (2013) Solid waste management challenges for cities in developing countries. Waste Manag 33:220–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2012.09.008
Guo S, Zhao H (2015) Optimal site selection of electric vehicle charging station by using fuzzy TOPSIS based on sustainability perspective. Appl Energy 158:390–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.08.082
Guo X, Yan K (2017) Estimation of obsolete cellular phones generation: a case study of China. Sci Total Environ 575:321–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.054
Gupta H, Barua MK (2016) Identifying enablers of technological innovation for Indian MSMEs using best-worst multi criteria decision making method. Technol Forecast Soc Chang 107:69–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2016.03.028
Gupta H, Barua MK (2017) Supplier selection among SMEs on the basis of their green innovation ability using BWM and fuzzy TOPSIS. J Clean Prod 152:242–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.03.125
Gupta H (2018a) Evaluating service quality of airline industry using hybrid best worst method and VIKOR. J Air Transp Manag 68:35–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2017.06.001
Gupta H (2018b) Assessing organizations performance on the basis of GHRM practices using BWM and fuzzy TOPSIS. J Environ Manag 226:201–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.08.005
Gupta H, Barua MK (2018a) A grey DEMATEL-based approach for modeling enablers of green innovation in manufacturing organizations. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25:9556–9578. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-1261-6
Gupta H, Barua MK (2018b) A framework to overcome barriers to green innovation in SMEs using BWM and fuzzy TOPSIS. Sci Total Environ 633:122–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.173
Gupta P, Anand S, Gupta H (2017) Developing a roadmap to overcome barriers to energy efficiency in buildings using best worst method. Sustain Cities Soc 31:244–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2017.02.005
Gusukuma M, Kahhat R (2018) Electronic waste after a digital TV transition: material flows and stocks. Resour Conserv Recycl 138:142–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.07.014
Haji Vahabzadeh A, Asiaei A, Zailani S (2015) Green decision-making model in reverse logistics using FUZZY-VIKOR method. Resour Conserv Recycl 103:125–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.05.023
Heacock M, Kelly CB, Asante KA, Birnbaum LS, Bergman ÅL, Bruné MN, Buka I, Carpenter DO, Chen A, Huo X, Kamel M, Landrigan PJ, Magalini F, Diaz-Barriga F, Neira M, Omar M, Pascale A, Ruchirawat M, Sly L, Sly PD, van den Berg M, Suk WA (2016) E-waste and harm to vulnerable populations: a growing global problem. Environ Health Perspect 124:550–555. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1509699
Hsu CC, Sandford BA (2007) The Delphi technique: making sense of consensus. Pract Assess Res Eval 12:1–8
Hwang CL, Yoon K (1981) Methods for multiple attribute decision making. Multiple attribute decision making. Lect Notes Econ Math Sys 186:58–191. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-48318-9_3
Ikhlayel M (2018) An integrated approach to establish e-waste management systems for developing countries. J Clean Prod 170:119–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.09.137
Islam A, Ahmed T, Awual MR, Rahman A, Sultana M, Aziz AA, Monir MU, Teo SH, Hasan M (2019) Advances in sustainable approaches to recover metals from e-waste-a review. J Clean Prod 118815:118815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118815
Islam MT, Huda N (2018) Reverse logistics and closed-loop supply chain of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)/e-waste: a comprehensive literature review. Resour Conserv Recycl 137:48–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.05.026
Islam MT, Huda N (2020a) Assessing the recycling potential of “unregulated” e-waste in Australia. Resour Conserv Recycl 152:104526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104526
Islam MT, Huda N (2020b) Reshaping WEEE management in Australia: an investigation on the untapped WEEE products. J Clean Prod 250:119496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119496
Itai T, Otsuka M, Asante KA, Muto M, Opoku-Ankomah Y, Ansa-Asare OD, Tanabe S (2014) Variation and distribution of metals and metalloids in soil/ash mixtures from Agbogbloshie e-waste recycling site in Accra, Ghana. Sci Total Environ 470-471:707–716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.10.037
Julander A, Lundgren L, Skare L, Grandér M, Palm B, Vahter M, Lidén C (2014) Formal recycling of e-waste leads to increased exposure to toxic metals: an occupational exposure study from Sweden. Environ Int 73:243–251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2014.07.006
Kaifie A, Schettgen T, Bertram J, Löhndorf K, Waldschmidt S, Felten MK, Kraus T, Fobil JN, Küpper T (2020) Informal e-waste recycling and plasma levels of non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) – a cross-sectional study at Agbogbloshie, Ghana. Sci Total Environ 723. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138073
Kannan D, Mina H, Nosrati-Abarghooee S, Khosrojerdi G (2020) Sustainable circular supplier selection: a novel hybrid approach. Sci Total Environ 722:137936. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137936
Kauko K, Palmroos P (2014) The Delphi method in forecasting financial markets-an experimental study. Int J Forecast 30:313–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijforecast.2013.09.007
Khan SA (2016) E-products, e-waste and the Basel Convention: egulatory challenges and impossibilities of international environmental law. Rev Euro Comp Int Environ Law 25:248–260
Kheybari S, Kazemi M, Rezaei J (2019) Bioethanol facility location selection using best-worst method. Appl Energy 242:612–623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.03.054
Kiddee P, Naidu R, Wong MH (2013) Electronic waste management approaches: an overview. Waste Manag 33:1237–1250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2013.01.006
Kim M, Jang YC, Lee S (2013) Application of Delphi-AHP methods to select the priorities of WEEE for recycling in a waste management decision-making tool. J Environ Manag 128:941–948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.06.049
Kumar A, Dixit G (2018a) An analysis of barriers affecting the implementation of e-waste management practices in India: a novel ISM-DEMATEL approach. Sustain Prod Consump 14:36–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2018.01.002
Kumar A, Dixit G (2018b) Evaluating critical barriers to implementation of WEEE management using DEMATEL approach. Resour Conserv Recycl 131:101–121
Kumar A, Dixit G (2019) A novel hybrid MCDM framework for WEEE recycling partner evaluation on the basis of green competencies. J Clean Prod 241:118017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118017
Lawhon M (2012) Relational power in the governance of a South African e-waste transition. Environ Plan A 44:954–971
Li J, Song X, Yang D, Li B, Lu B (2020) Simulating the interprovincial movements of waste mobile phones in China based on the current disassembly capacity. J Clean Prod 244:118776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118776
Lin R, Liu Y, Man Y, Ren J (2019) Towards a sustainable distributed energy system in China: decision-making for strategies and policy implications. Energy Sustain Soc 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-019-0237-9
Liu J, Wei Q (2018) Risk evaluation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure public-private partnership projects in China using fuzzy TOPSIS. J Clean Prod 189:211–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.103
Liu Z, Guan D, Wei W, Davis SJ, Ciais P, Bai J, Peng S, Zhang Q, Hubacek K, Marland G (2015) Reduced carbon emission estimates from fossil fuel combustion and cement production in China. Nature 524:335–338
Lo HW, Liou JJH, Wang HS, Tsai YS (2018) An integrated model for solving problems in green supplier selection and order allocation. J Clean Prod 190:339–352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.105
Lu C, Zhang L, Zhong Y, Ren W, Tobias M, Mu Z, Ma Z, Geng Y, Xue B (2014) An overview of e-waste management in China. J Mat Cycles Waste Manag 17:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-014-0256-8
Luthra S, Govindan K, Mangla SK (2017) Structural model for sustainable consumption and production adoption—a grey-DEMATEL based approach. Resour Conserv Recycl 125:198–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.02.018
Mahpour A (2018) Prioritizing barriers to adopt circular economy in construction and demolition waste management. Resour Conserv Recycl 134:216–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.01.026
Malek J, Desai TN (2019) Prioritization of sustainable manufacturing barriers using best worst method. J Clean Prod 226:589–600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.056
Masud MH, Akram W, Ahmed A, Ananno AA, Mourshed M, Hasan M, Joardder MUH (2019) Towards the effective e-waste management in Bangladesh: a review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26:1250–1276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3626-2
Milovantseva N, Fitzpatrick C (2015) Barriers to electronics reuse of transboundary e-waste shipment regulations: an evaluation based on industry experiences. Resour Conserv Recycl 102:170–177
Mudge SM, Pfaffhuber KA, Fobil JN, Bouman EA, Uggerud HT, Thorne RJ (2019) Using elemental analyses and multivariate statistics to identify the off-site dispersion from informal e-waste processing. Environ Sci Process Impacts 21:2042–2057. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9em00444k
Nduneseokwu CK, Qu Y, Appolloni A (2017) Factors influencing consumers’ intentions to participate in a formal e-waste collection system: a case study of Onitsha, Nigeria. Sustain (Switzerland) 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9060881
Nnorom IC, Osibanjo O (2008) Overview of electronic waste (e-waste) management practices and legislations, and their poor applications in the developing countries. Resour Conserv Recycl 52:843–858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2008.01.004
Oduro-Appiah K, Scheinberg A, Mensah A, Afful A, Boadu HK, de Vries N (2017) Assessment of the municipal solid waste management system in Accra, Ghana: a ‘Wasteaware’ benchmark indicator approach. Waste Manag Res J Int Solid Wastes Public Clean Assoc ISWA 35:1149–1158. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242x17727066
Oguri T, Suzuki G, Matsukami H, Uchida N, Tue NM, Tuyen LH, Viet PH, Takahashi S, Tanabe S, Takigami H (2018) Exposure assessment of heavy metals in an e-waste processing area in northern Vietnam. Sci Total Environ 621:1115–1123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.115
Orlins S, Guan D (2016) China’s toxic informal e-waste recycling: local approaches to a global environmental problem. J Clean Prod 114:71–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.05.090
Oteng-Ababio M (2010) E-waste: an emerging challenge to solid waste management in Ghana. Int Dev Plan Rev 32:191–206. https://doi.org/10.3828/idpr.2010.02
Oteng-Ababio M (2012) When necessity begets ingenuity: e-waste scavenging as a livelihood strategy in Accra, Ghana. African Stud Quart 13:1–21
Oteng-Ababio M, Owusu G, Chama M (2016) Intelligent enterprise: wasting, valuing and re-valuing waste electrical and electronic equipment. Geogr J 182:265–275. https://doi.org/10.1111/geoj.12140
Oteng-Ababio M, van der Velden M, Taylor MB (2020) Building policy coherence for sound waste electrical and electronic equipment management in a developing country. J Environ Dev:107049651989821. https://doi.org/10.1177/1070496519898218
Pour MJ, Mesrabadi J, Hosseinzadeh M (2019) A comprehensive framework to rank cloud-based e-learning providers using best-worst method (BWM): a multidimensional perspective. Online Inf Rev 44:114–138. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-08-2018-0249
Prakash C, Barua MK (2016) An analysis of integrated robust hybrid model for third-party reverse logistics partner selection under fuzzy environment. Resour Conserv Recycl 108:63–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.12.011
Pun KF, Hui IK (2001) An analytical hierarchy process assessment of the ISO 14001 environmental management system. Integr Manuf Syst 12:333–345. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000005711
Qu Y, Wang W, Liu Y, Zhu Q (2019) Understanding residents’ preferences for e-waste collection in China - a case study of waste mobile phones. J Clean Prod 228:52–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.216
Rajesh Ejiogu A (2013) E-waste economics: a Nigerian perspective. Manag Environ Qual 24:199–213. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831311303083
Rezaei J (2015) Best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method. Omega 53:49–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2014.11.009
Rezaei J, van Roekel WS, Tavasszy L (2018) Measuring the relative importance of the logistics performance index indicators using best worst method. Transp Policy 68:158–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2018.05.007
Sarc R, Curtis A, Kandlbauer L, Khodier K, Lorber KE, Pomberger R (2019) Digitalisation and intelligent robotics in value chain of circular economy oriented waste management – a review. Waste Manag 95:476–492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2019.06.035
Sarkhel P, Banerjee S, Banerjee S (2016) Willingness to pay before and after program implementation: the case of municipal solid waste management in Bally Municipality, India. Environ Dev Sustain 18:481–498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-015-9659-5
Satapathy S (2017) An analysis of barriers for plastic recycling in the Indian plastic industry. Benchmark Int J 24:415–430. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-11-2014-0103
Schumacher KA, Agbemabiese L (2019) Towards comprehensive e-waste legislation in the United States: design considerations based on quantitative and qualitative assessments. Resour Conserv Recycl 149:605–621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.06.033
Simms C, Trott P, Evd H, Hultink EJ (2020) Barriers to the adoption of waste-reducing eco-innovations in the packaged food sector: a study in the UK and the Netherlands. J Clean Prod 244:118792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118792
Sirisawat P, Kiatcharoenpol T (2018) Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS approaches to prioritizing solutions for reverse logistics barriers. Comput Ind Eng 117:303–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2018.01.015
Solomon UU (2010) A detailed look at the three disciplines, environmental ethics, law and education to determine which plays the most critical role in environmental enhancement and protection. Environ Dev Sustain 12:1069–1080. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-010-9242-z
StEP (2017): WEEE systems, legislation amd legislative principles in developing countries. http://www.step-initiative.org/events-reader/id-24-january-2018-step-webinar-weee-systems-legislations-and-legislative-principles-in-developing-countries.html.
Sthiannopkao S, Wong MH (2013) Handling e-waste in developed and developing countries: initiatives, practices, and consequences. Sci Total Environ 463-464:1147–1153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.06.088
Suh Y, Park Y, Kang D (2019) Evaluating mobile services using integrated weighting approach and fuzzy VIKOR. PLoS One 14:14. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217786
Tarei PK, Thakkar JJ, Nag B (2018) A hybrid approach for quantifying supply chain risk and prioritizing the risk drivers. Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Thavalingam V, Karunasena G (2016) Mobile phone waste management in developing countries: a case of Sri Lanka. Resour Conserv Recycl 109:34–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2016.01.017
Tong X, Wang T, Chen Y, Wang Y (2018) Towards an inclusive circular economy: quantifying the spatial flows of e-waste through the informal sector in China. Resour Conserv Recycl 135:163–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.10.039
Tue NM, Goto A, Takahashi S, Itai T, Asante KA, Kunisue T, Tanabe S (2016) Release of chlorinated, brominated and mixed halogenated dioxin-related compounds to soils from open burning of e-waste in Agbogbloshie (Accra, Ghana). J Hazard Mater 302:151–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.09.062
UNEP (2019): Sustainable management of waste electrical and electronic equipment in Latin America. https://www.uncclearn.org/sites/default/files/inventory/integrated_weee_management_and_disposal-395429-normal-e.pdf. Accessed 8/06/2019
Veiga TB, Coutinho SS, Andre SCS, Mendes AA, Takayanagui AMM (2016) Building sustainability indicators in the health dimension for solid waste management. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 24:e2732–e2732. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.0635.2732
Wan W, Zhang S, Huang H, Wu T (2016) Occurrence and distribution of organophosphorus esters in soils and wheat plants in a plastic waste treatment area in China. Environ Pollut 214:349–353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.038
Wang W, Tian Y, Zhu Q, Zhong Y (2017) Barriers for household e-waste collection in China: perspectives from formal collecting enterprises in Liaoning Province. J Clean Prod 153:299–308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.03.202
Wang Z, Guo D, Wang X (2016) Determinants of residents’ e-waste recycling behaviour intentions: evidence from China. J Clean Prod 137:850–860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.155
Woo SH, Lee DS, Lim SR (2016) Potential resource and toxicity impacts from metals in waste electronic devices. Integr Environ Assess Manag 12:364–370. https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.1710
Wu G, Li J, Xu Z (2013) Triboelectrostatic separation for granular plastic waste recycling: a review. Waste Manag 33:585–597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2012.10.014
Wu S-M, Liu H-C, Wang L-E (2017) Hesitant fuzzy integrated MCDM approach for quality function deployment: a case study in electric vehicle. Int J Prod Res 55:4436–4449. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2016.1259670
Wu X, Zhang X, Chen G (2019) Answers to some questions about Zadeh’s extension principle on metric spaces. Fuzzy Sets Syst 387:174–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fss.2019.03.011
Xu X, Yang H, Chen A, Zhou Y, Wu K, Liu J, Zhang Y, Huo X (2012) Birth outcomes related to informal e-waste recycling in Guiyu, China. Reprod Toxicol 33:94–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.12.006
Xu X, Zhang Y, Yekeen TA, Li Y, Zhuang B, Huo X (2014) Increase male genital diseases morbidity linked to informal electronic waste recycling in Guiyu, China. Environ Sci Pollut Res 21:3540–3545. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-013-2289-2
Xu Y, Yeh CH, Yang S, Gupta B (2020) Risk-based performance evaluation of improvement strategies for sustainable e-waste management. Resour Conserv Recycl 155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104664
Ye F, Li Y (2014) An extended TOPSIS model based on the possibility theory under fuzzy environment. Knowl-Based Syst 67:263–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knosys.2014.04.046
Yong YS, Lim YA, Ilankoon IMSK (2019) An analysis of electronic waste management strategies and recycling operations in Malaysia: challenges and future prospects. J Clean Prod 224:151–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.205
Zeh S, Christalle E (2019) Assessing the relevance and implementation of patient-centredness from the patients’ perspective in Germany: results of a Delphi study. BMJ Open 9:e031741. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031741
Zeng X, Yang C, Chiang JF, Li J (2017) Innovating e-waste management: from macroscopic to microscopic scales. Sci Total Environ 575:1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.09.078
Zhang L, Xu Z (2016) A review of current progress of recycling technologies for metals from waste electrical and electronic equipment. J Clean Prod 127:19–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.04.004
Zhao W, Yang J (2018) An effectiveness assessment of China’s WEEE treatment fund. Int J Environ Res Public Health 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15051028
Zyoud SH, Kaufmann LG, Shaheen H, Samhan S, Fuchs-Hanusch D (2016) A framework for water loss management in developing countries under fuzzy environment: integration of fuzzy AHP with fuzzy TOPSIS. Expert Syst Appl 61:86–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2016.05.016
Funding
This study was supported by the National Social Science Foundation of China under Grant Number 18BGL190.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Additional information
Responsible Editor: Philippe Garrigues
Publisher’s note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Appendix
Appendix
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chen, D., Faibil, D. & Agyemang, M. Evaluating critical barriers and pathways to implementation of e-waste formalization management systems in Ghana: a hybrid BWM and fuzzy TOPSIS approach. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27, 44561–44584 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10360-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10360-8