Adaptive plant distribution design with circular economy approach for sustainable management of electrical and electronic devices (SAREE) of the Cuenca canton

Electrical and electronic devices (RAEE) are one of the world's fastest growing waste flows, and Latin America represents approximately 10% of the 50 million tons generated annually. Worldwide, the RAEE are part of the hazardous and special urban solid waste that represents 2% of the volume that is deposited in the landfills. This situation constitutes a great challenge for the region and the country, since the scarce or no management of this waste triggers severe impacts on the health of people and the environment, making evident the need to raise sustainable systems for their management. The EMAC-EP company has implemented a "clean point" where people can deliver their RAE to be stored and subsequently sent to a private company for processing. The current solution is not enough for the proper management of this waste, so, the EMAC-EP needs the design and implementation of a plant to manage RAEE that incorporates circular economy strategies such as repair, reconditioning, remanufacturing and recycling, and integration of the informal recycling sector. The plant distribution must contemplate an adaptive and efficient design that responds properly to the variability of the flows, composition, seniority, physical and functional state, and increased demand for processing of the RAEE. Therefore, the project offers sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits. Finally, the design and methodology raised may be a replicable solution in the future by other municipalities of the country.

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