Conclusion
In this study, we overviewed the current management systems for HHW mainly in Japan. It was pointed out that management of products during the life cycle is necessary because the current system of management by each local government is too varied to control the risk of HHW.
To get basic information, we conducted questionnaire surveys among consumers regarding their behavior and awareness throughout the entire life cycle of HHW, which consists of the purchase, use, and disposal of products. The results showed that many people keep end-of-life batteries, fluorescent lamps, spray cans, and others in their houses after use. Also, the results showed that a lot of such wastes were discarded to some categories which were different from that specified by local governments. In particular, people tend to discard final products such as shavers or cordless phones with the NiCd batteries left inside.
On the other hand, people’s knowledge of and concern for risks, collection, and recycling were high. When informa- tion about product risks were specifically presented in the questionnaire, people tended to show a more positive inten- tion to participate in a collection and recycling system com- pared to those who were not presented with such information. Thus, information provision and labeling are suggested to be important factors for consumers.
Moreover, focusing on NiCd batteries and fluorescent lamps, it seems to be important to collect and recycle HHW to control the domestic and international flow of cadmium and mercury. For mercury and fluorescent lamps, Japan’s flow was described in a previous study.17
The flow analysis of Cd showed a decrease of domestic demand in Japan, a small amount of recycling, and dynamic flow in Asia and the Pacific Rim region from zinc ore to Cd products. An international examination is required about the use, circulation, and disposal of Cd, although producing Cd is unavoidable because it is a by-product of zinc.
At each stage of products from manufacture to waste control, the risk of HHW is a major problem that we should immediately tackle. We need to identify which of these prod- ucts should be prioritized and the parties concerned in each process from manufacturing to disposal should collaborate on further investigation on the current situation and informa- tion gathering and sharing. It is considered that research on each risk control strategy can be carried out after the flow analysis, risk identification or qualification, and the categori- zation of products or materials have been established.
International comparative studies and discussions are also effective. Moreover, if trials, verification, and generalization of advanced systems can be conducted for a specific product in parallel with such an approach, much progress can be expected toward construction of a preferable system. From the viewpoint of resource management, attention should be paid to products including rare metals. It is necessary to think about the ideal approach to product management from both the viewpoints of hazardous properties and resources. Also, we need to assess waste management from the viewpoint of emerging technology including biotechnology, gene technol- ogy, and nanotechnology, as has been done for TiO2.20
To propose a management model for HHW and recom- mend a strategic plan and action plan, we intend, in the near future, to conduct (1) flow analysis and life-cycle assessment of typical products and substances, (2) the development of recycling routes and recycling techniques, and (3) collection experiments.
ConclusionIn this study, we overviewed the current management systems for HHW mainly in Japan. It was pointed out that management of products during the life cycle is necessary because the current system of management by each local government is too varied to control the risk of HHW.To get basic information, we conducted questionnaire surveys among consumers regarding their behavior and awareness throughout the entire life cycle of HHW, which consists of the purchase, use, and disposal of products. The results showed that many people keep end-of-life batteries, fluorescent lamps, spray cans, and others in their houses after use. Also, the results showed that a lot of such wastes were discarded to some categories which were different from that specified by local governments. In particular, people tend to discard final products such as shavers or cordless phones with the NiCd batteries left inside.On the other hand, people’s knowledge of and concern for risks, collection, and recycling were high. When informa- tion about product risks were specifically presented in the questionnaire, people tended to show a more positive inten- tion to participate in a collection and recycling system com- pared to those who were not presented with such information. Thus, information provision and labeling are suggested to be important factors for consumers.Moreover, focusing on NiCd batteries and fluorescent lamps, it seems to be important to collect and recycle HHW to control the domestic and international flow of cadmium and mercury. For mercury and fluorescent lamps, Japan’s flow was described in a previous study.17The flow analysis of Cd showed a decrease of domestic demand in Japan, a small amount of recycling, and dynamic flow in Asia and the Pacific Rim region from zinc ore to Cd products. An international examination is required about the use, circulation, and disposal of Cd, although producing Cd is unavoidable because it is a by-product of zinc.At each stage of products from manufacture to waste control, the risk of HHW is a major problem that we should immediately tackle. We need to identify which of these prod- ucts should be prioritized and the parties concerned in each process from manufacturing to disposal should collaborate on further investigation on the current situation and informa- tion gathering and sharing. It is considered that research on each risk control strategy can be carried out after the flow analysis, risk identification or qualification, and the categori- zation of products or materials have been established.International comparative studies and discussions are also effective. Moreover, if trials, verification, and generalization of advanced systems can be conducted for a specific product in parallel with such an approach, much progress can be expected toward construction of a preferable system. From the viewpoint of resource management, attention should be paid to products including rare metals. It is necessary to think about the ideal approach to product management from both the viewpoints of hazardous properties and resources. Also, we need to assess waste management from the viewpoint of emerging technology including biotechnology, gene technol- ogy, and nanotechnology, as has been done for TiO2.20To propose a management model for HHW and recom- mend a strategic plan and action plan, we intend, in the near future, to conduct (1) flow analysis and life-cycle assessment of typical products and substances, (2) the development of recycling routes and recycling techniques, and (3) collection experiments.
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