Mapping of a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Chain in Manabí, Ecuador

This chapter presents a case study on the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Manabí, Ecuador, a region confronting one of the world's most rapidly expanding and hazardous waste streams. Employing a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews, the research engages directly with the key actors shaping the local system—from formal collection centers and recyclers to informal operators and repair workshops. The analysis provides a detailed mapping of the material flows and operational stages that define WEEE management in the province. It identifies the phases of storage and manual dismantling as the most critical junctures, where inadequate safety measures and improper handling expose workers to hazardous components like batteries, circuit boards, and refrigerants. These risks are intensified by broader structural constraints, including fragmented coordination, a lack of specialized local infrastructure, and consequent dependence on external processing channels. In light of these findings, the chapter argues for a strategic shift grounded in the progressive formalization and integration of local stakeholders. Its core proposals include strengthening technical capacities through targeted training, improving infrastructure for segregation and temporary storage, and implementing differentiated management protocols for high-risk materials. These coordinated measures are presented as a necessary pathway to reduce environmental and health impacts, enhance systemic efficiency, and align local practices with the principles of circular economy and sustainable development.