Exploring digital technologies and smart systems used in e-waste management in China : seminal research themes

Abstract

Due to the dramatic increase in the volume of e-waste and its complex composition, containing hazardous components, improper e-waste management poses significant risks to the environment, human health, and socio-economic sustainability. The application of intellectual technologies has given new opportunities for more effective e-waste management. This research aims at providing a comprehensive landscape of the body of research on smart e-waste management in China through a systematic literature review accompanied by content analysis. On this basis, the seminal research themes of the advanced digital technologies used in e-waste management literature were unfolded and discussed. The most recent developments of smart e-waste collection and sorting initiatives in China, which have been implemented and scaled up through local businesses and entrepreneurship programs as alternatives to informal approaches, were presented. It turns out that the results highlight the potential of smart technologies in e-waste management through (i) delivering the most recent academic research on smart e-waste recycling, (ii) showcasing cutting-edge smart e-waste recycling solutions, primarily from business and emerging technology firms, (iii) enhancing academic debate and bridging the gap between industry practitioners and the research community, (iv) identifying the main challenges and provide countermeasures for future smart e-waste management.