This study quantified the flows of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and used electrical and electronic equipment (UEEE) in the UK from 2010-2030 and to assess the carbon footprint of their management pathways. Material flow analysis (MFA) and carbon footprint methodologies were utilised alongside assumed scenarios. Historical data was used to create lifespan distributions for all 13 categories of WEEE. A methodology was then developed to assess the carbon footprints associated with the final destination of WEEE within the UK. Reuse was identified as being the preferred end-of-life management option for UEEE in terms of reducing carbon emissions, followed by recycling, with landfill identified as being the least preferred option. Overall, current end-of-life management practices for UEEE were found to result in a net GHG emissions saving, although this saving was found to reduce when WEEE recycled as non-obligated WEEE was not included. Future policy should aim to improve collection and recovery rates of WEEE and promote reuse of WEEE/UEEE.
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