Spatiotemporal Distribution of Household WEEE and Anthropogenic Mineral Reserves in China from 1978 to 2050

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Authors: Zongqi Yu, Yifan Gu, Chenyang Shuai, Xi Chen, Ming Xu, Bu Zhao
Cited by: 2
References: 35

Abstract

China, the world's largest generator of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), faces growing challenges in managing household WEEE and recovering embedded resources. This study develops a long-term, provincial-level assessment of household WEEE generation and anthropogenic mineral (AM) reserves in China from 1978 to 2050. Using a stock-based material flow analysis, we quantify in-use stocks, WEEE generation, and associated AM for 10 household appliance categories (14 types) across 31 provinces. Annual household WEEE generation exceeded 400 million units in 2023, dominated by cell phones, computers, air conditioners, and washing machines, with eastern and southeastern provinces contributing the largest volumes. Embedded AM reserves in 2023 include about 228 thousand tonnes of copper (9.4% of national recycled copper), 21 tonnes of gold (5.6% of primary production), and 7 tonnes of palladium (50% of primary production), with a theoretical metal value of over 5 billion USD. Yet, existing formal recycling infrastructure captures only ∼30% of this potential, owing to pronounced spatial and category-specific mismatches. Our results identify critical gaps and province-level hotspots, providing a quantitative basis for spatially targeted WEEE management and infrastructure planning to enhance resource recovery in China's transition toward a circular economy.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Extraction and Separation Processes Recycling and Waste Management Techniques Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Publication details

Journal / source
Environmental Science & Technology
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
60
Issue
15
Pages
11446–11462
Publication date
25 March 2026
Language
EN