Corporate Responsibility and the Fight Against E-Waste

Addressing the e-waste crisis is not solely about recycling old devices but also involves reducing waste generation at the source. Here, the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR) becomes pertinent. EPR policies require manufacturers to take back and recycle their products at the end of their life cycle, integrating environmental costs into the product design phase. Some tech companies have willingly adopted EPR practices, but the adoption is far from uniform across the industry. Implementing EPR on a broader scale could significantly push the industry towards sustainability, yet it requires more stringent regulations and, importantly, a corporate culture shift towards prioritizing longevity and repairability in products.