The practice and challenges of electronic waste recycling in Korea with emphasis on extended producer responsibility (EPR)

In Korea, generation of electronic waste (e-waste) has increased rapidly over the past decade. E-waste recycling can be one of the greatest economic profits for the recycling industry. However, the stream of e-waste must be dealt with special attention because of toxic materials contained in it, which can adversely affect the environment and human beings if managed improperly. This paper presents an overview of the current recycling and management practices of e-waste in Korea. The generation rates, regulations, collection systems, and recycling practices of e-waste have been discussed with emphasis on extended producer responsibility (EPR), which was introduced in 2003. Suggestions and future challenges are made in order to deal with potential problems associated with e-waste recycling and management in Korea.