Challenges of metal recycling and an international covenant as possible instrument of a globally extended producer responsibility

摘要: As illustrated by the case studies of end-of-life vehicles and waste electric electronic equipment, approach an extended producer responsibility is undermined exports used products. This fact causes severe deficits regarding circular flows, especially critical raw materials such as platinum group metals. With regard to global recycling there seems be a gap which leads somehow open ends flows loss or down-cycling potential secondary resources. Existing product-orientated (EPR) approaches with mass-based quotas do not create adequate incentives supply containing precious metals high-quality should amended aspects material stewardship. The paper analyses incentive effects on EPR for mentioned product groups metals, resulting from existing regulations in Germany. It develops proposal international covenant metal policy instrument governance-oriented framework initiate systemic innovations along complete value chain taking into account group- resource group-specific different spatial levels. aims at effective implementation central idea EPR, transition regime still focusing safe disposal towards sustainable management resources lifecycle