Combining environmental and economic factors to evaluate the reuse of electrical and electronic equipment – a Swiss case study

One key strategy which can be used to promote a Circular Economy is ‘reuse’. This particularly relevant for Electrical and Electronic Equipment due its often rather short use phase as well resource-intensive production phase. The present study aimed investigate the environmental economic relevance of promoting reuse (waste) electrical electronic equipment in Switzerland. To do so, simplified life cycle assessment approach was combined with calculation total cost ownership device. These calculations were made five different types device: washing machines, refrigerators, televisions, laptop computers, smartphones. Results showed that from an perspective, smartphones or whose dominant impact comes their phase, should reused independently age, whereas three other devices, age decisive factor. Adding on factor—that result lower costs—led conclusion all older devices except refrigerators would have ‘sold on’ at no order make sense economically. In addition, there consideration whether buying second-hand replaces new device results increase stock old ones are run parallel, creating typical rebound situation. Public authorities thus more active sharing information raising awareness about possibilities repair reuse.