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Comparative Analysis of E-Waste Policies in New Zealand and Leading Global Markets: A Path Toward Sustainable E-Waste Management

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Thesis(596.73 KB)

Date

2026

Authors

Biyani, Keshav

Supervisor

Skilling, Peter

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Master of Business

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the reasons underlying New Zealand's inadequate e-waste recycling performance in comparison to high-performing jurisdictions (the European Union (EU) and Australia) and to identify policy lessons that can facilitate the shift to more effective e-waste management. The study uses comparative policy analysis and thematic analysis of legislation, policy reports, and scheme evaluations from these jurisdictions to identify key features of effective extended producer responsibility and product stewardship systems. These include enforceable producer responsibility, clear collection targets, circular product design requirements, and accessible, well-governed collection systems. These stand in contrast to New Zealand's mostly voluntary, fragmented arrangements, which are influenced by a broader tradition of light‑handed regulation, insufficient national goals, unequal access to services, and poor coordination. The study concludes that implementing international "best practices" requires adapting policies to New Zealand's institutional and political environment. The study identifies several key priorities: enacting mandatory e-waste extended producer responsibility (EPR) with reuse and refurbishment goals; establishing national infrastructure for collection and reporting, incorporating circular design and right-to-repair obligations; and establishing a specialised stewardship governance body to provide high-participation, equitable e-waste services.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/21119

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Masters Theses