自治体主導の都市鉱山プロジェクトの日韓比較

抄録

In recent years, social interest in the effective use and recycling of resources has increased with the emerging concept of “urban mining.” In fact, it is known that a number of reusable resources exist in waste from small equipment. Japan and Korea have executed e-waste recycling laws based on the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to make good use of “urban mining”. In practice, disposal of resources and recycling are delegated to the municipalities. This study made a comparative analysis of the urban mining project between two cities: Ohdate in Akita Prefecture, Japan and Seoul in Korea. The projects present new challenges in the realm of waste management policy. Local governments, which are in the frontline of advancing local development, are deemed effective vehicles in resource recycling. In addition, such initiative also expands job opportunities and other accompanying benefits to the society.