ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with background information on product and market trends, including a fast rate of growth in consumption and rapid technological change. It draws on examples and studies from across the globe. The chapter also draws together some of the lessons for other product stewardship policies and programmes. The market for consumer electronics is changing rapidly as new products are developed and existing products converge into more flexible, multi- purpose devices. The list of stakeholders for EEEs is similar to those for packaging, but their issues of concern are different. This is because electrical and electronic products, unlike packaging, consume significant amounts of energy, water and other materials during use. Consumers have a critically important role to play in recycling programmes for e-waste. The ultimate success of these programmes depends on willingness of consumers to take them to a drop-off location or arrange for collection, which is why the concept of "shared responsibility" is often extended to include consumers.
