Sustainable Transport Management of Electronic Waste: A Systematic Review of Collection, Recycling and Recovery Strategies in Developing Countries

Abstract

This systematic review examines the sustainable management of shipments of electronic waste in developing countries, focusing on the interaction between collection, recycling, recovery and transport strategies. Given the growing global problem of waste, particularly in developing countries, this research will address the need for integrated and sustainable solutions. The review is based on a theoretical framework of sustainable development, circular economy principles and integrated waste management concepts, emphasizing the interlinkages between transport and other stages of e-waste management. A systematic search of peer reviewed literature, reports and non-peer reviewed literature was conducted using relevant databases and keyword searches. The review analyzed the predominant collection methods (door-to-door, community drop-off centres), the predominant recycling and re-processing processes (mechanical, chemical, biological) and effective transport management strategies (route optimization, vehicle selection, logistics). Case studies such as Agbogbloshie in Ghana and the E-Parisakha initiative in Rwanda illustrate the diversity of approaches and problems encountered in the real world. The main findings show that successful systems often use hybrid collection models, optimized transport networks and strong public-private partnerships. The review highlights the need for integrated planning, contextspecific solutions and cooperation between stakeholders to contribute to mitigation efforts in the area of e-waste by minimizing environmental and health risks, maximizing recovery of resources and promoting circular economies in developing countries.