Disposal and reuse of the information technology waste: a case study in a Brazilian university

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that define the management practices of a center of electrical and electronic waste and of reuse of equipment aiming to contribute to the sustainable development. It is known that the effort to achieve the green IT, including recycling and sustainable disposability of equipment does not follow the same pace as industry production. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on the existing sustainable development, on the computer equipment and its composition and in the disposal of electronic waste as literature of orientation. The center for disposal and reuse of the information technology waste from a Brazilian university was approached by the methodology of qualitative case study. Findings The research revealed some findings related to the concepts of integrated waste management, product life cycle assessment, stakeholder involvement and inventory and information system of electrical and electronic equipment. Research limitations/implications The research involved the analysis of documents and the website of the center and the technician responsible for the center was interviewed. The results can contribute as a benchmark for other universities and organizations who intend to create or implement a center for collection and recycling of computer equipment. Practical/implications The paper shows the importance of communication and relationship between the center and the units of the university and with the stakeholders related to the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management. Originality/value The study has its focus on a more comprehensive WEEE approach that shows insights that can be used or adapted to any university or even companies.