Urban mining from a circularity perspective

¹ University of the Philippines, Dilman, Philippines
² Environmental Engineering Program, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
³ National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan
⁴ Ateneo de Manila University

^* Corresponding author: fcballesteros@up.edu.ph

Abstract

The transition from considering e-waste as a liability to recognizing it as a valuable resource is pivotal for environmental sustainability. Electronic waste is growing at an alarming rate, and the extraction and recovery of precious metals offer an economically and ecologically sound solution. Furthermore, with the global shift towards electrification, renewable energy, and advanced technologies, the demand for rare earth elements continues to rise. Extracting these elements from e-waste, even through rudimentary methods, can address their scarcity and reduce our reliance on environmentally destructive mining practices. However, the unethical export of e-waste from developed to developing countries remains a critical issue. Furthermore, there is there is the health risks associated with improper dismantling practices in the informal sector. To eradicate this risk a scheme providing proper environmental practices by way of formalizing the informal sector. A cost to benefit analysis was made to study several set ups for a material recovery facility. The project outcomes include a greater awareness of the health risks of hazardous materials in ewaste and an appreciation of the proper waste handling practices. This study's findings underscore the urgency of enforcing international agreements like the Basel Convention, improving working conditions in the informal sector, and implementing safer recycling practices. Moreover, the study serves as a valuable blueprint for replication in other barangays or villages in the country with a vision to offering lessons on how to transform this global problem into an opportunity for sustainable resource management while protecting human health and the environment.