Abstract
In tandem with the continuous global expansion of the renewable energy field, renewable energy in Japan has been introduced with the formation of a low-carbon society and promulgation of energy resources produced domestically as its goal. Currently, some of the photovoltaic modules have already become waste and are being discharged. In the future, the amount of this type of waste is expected to increase exponentially, up to approximately 500 to 800 thousandtons of waste photovoltaic modules will be discharged annually in the latter half of the 2030s. To prepare for accommodating the collection, recycling, and appropriate disposal system of waste photovoltaic modules in Japan, it is important to benchmark the cases in EU where photovoltaic modules were earlier introduced. In preparation for such large amounts of waste, it is necessary to establish a system for the proper disposal of waste photovoltaic modules and introduce reduction of wastes through reuse and recycling. This article argues the outline of the WEEE Directive, which has had enormous influence on the waste disposal system. Moreover, this article gathers and organizes information primarily on the management system of collection, recycling, and appropriate disposal of waste photovoltaic modules by PV CYCLE in Germany and France as its present situation of waste disposal.
