Reducing E-waste By Design, Standards, Business & Policy

Reduce global e-waste through smarter systems and sustainable innovation

From broken laptops to used batteries and outdated TVs, electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing global waste streams, posing serious risks to the environment and human health.

On this two-week course, you’ll explore how the issue of e-waste can be tackled from multiple angles, including eco-design, improved standards, and informed policy.

You’ll examine the lifecycle of electronic products, including how to reduce waste by design.

Learn how to shift from a linear to a circular economy using eco-design principles and discover practical tools that governments, businesses, and individuals can use to prevent and reduce e-waste.

Understand the role of global policy in reducing e-waste

You’ll first look into existing international agreements, like the Basel Convention. Learning how these policy instruments help regulate the movement of hazardous waste and promote sustainable disposal.

You’ll also become familiar with ITU-T Recommendations and guidance from initiatives like PACE and MPPI.

Explore sustainable solutions and incentives for global action

Learn how to identify and apply international standards and environmental best practices. You’ll examine how internal and external incentives relate to corporate responsibility.

You’ll study real-world case studies showing how community initiatives are helping reduce e-waste.

Build a circular future through better management and design

Lastly, you’ll understand the dangers of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in e-waste plastics, the complexity of international waste classifications, and how to manage various waste types responsibly.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the tools to identify sustainable actions for reducing e-waste and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This course is for graduate students, policymakers, business leaders, administrators, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the environmental and health impacts of e-waste.

This course is for graduate students, policymakers, business leaders, administrators, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the environmental and health impacts of e-waste.

• Identify ways to reduce e-waste generation by consumers, retailers, and producers.
• Explain how eco-design and good e-waste management advance sustainability goals and support a circular economy.
• Summarise how international conventions aim to protect health and stop illegal e-waste trade and dumping.
• Identify key standards and guidelines for environmentally sound management of various e-waste types.
• Identify key standards and guidelines for environmentally sound management of various e-waste types.