Abstract
In this paper, the flows of EOL (end-of-life) small home appliances (SHA) are overviewed and the problems clarified. Some problems exist in the following three huge and undesirable flows : flows into the hibernated stocks, landfilled EOLs and invisible exports. In order to decrease these flows, an efficient recycling system must be established. Since collection and transportation is responsible for the initial stage of the system, efficiency in these stages is critical to the proper working of the entire system. Our simulation revealed that the efficiency of any collection system varies depending on the regional geographical features. Also, potential targeted items, especially highly sophisticated devices such as mobile phones, will evolve rapidly. Hence, the recycling system for EOL SHAs must be flexible. In order to establish an efficient recycling system, the cooperation of all stakeholders is necessary.
