Characterizing IT asset disposition flows for the circular economy: A case study on export for reuse from Ireland

Understanding flows of resource-rich electrical and electronic equipment throughout its life cycle is increasingly important in the development global circular economies, reflected by heavy legislative focuses on waste prevention resource use efficiency. This research facilitates broader material flow analysis characterizing professional IT within Republic Ireland, emphasizing legal exports for purposes refurbishment reuse. The transboundary movement non-waste used contributes to a less often measured, but influential, facet flows. Eight key exporters equipment, comprising original manufacturers, information technology asset disposition companies, treatment facilities, were interviewed characterize sector, map materials, identify gaps existing reporting. Interviewed organizations declared category using voluntary declaration form. Two identified representing currently unreported unmeasured equipment. A total 441,261 units be exported reuse from Ireland through these previously 2019. Product keys developed United Nations University estimate weight as approximately 576 metric tons, amounting an additional 9% collected 2018, or 0.1 kg per inhabitant. These quantifications will component future analyses economy.