Constructed Governance as Solution to Conflicts in E-Waste Recycling Networks

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

1.It should answer the question:How much waste do we generate?

2. Explain the economic loss and management costs.

I appreciate the array of indicators thet can be used by both researches and recycling managers.

Author Response

Dear editor and reviewers

We are very grateful for the opportunity to improve our article.

In this letter, we show the adjustments and, if necessary, a justify.

Reviewer 1

1.It should answer the question: How much waste do we generate?

 

It is a central question. We collected data from Ewaste Monitor, 2020, and Eurostat. From line 33 (This increase…) until line 75 …(United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway) with 59%), we present the numbers about e-waste generated in the world and the division by continent, by countries, including Brazil. At the same time, we show the percentage of e-waste recycling, which raises the question about the motives.

 

2. Explain the economic loss and management costs.

 

Line 104(Estimates indicated…) until line 109(…recycling program) shows the estimated loss in Brazil, the government's cost, and the importance of the e-waste recycling business.

 

3. I appreciate the array of indicators that could be used by both researchers and recycling managers.

 

From line 644(The discussion developed…) until line 680 (…knowledge and information asymmetry), we explain the indicators matrix that could be used both in scientific research and management actions.

 

Reviewer 2

1. I suggest removing the term "conflicts" from the keywords because it may allow wrong searches via metadata.

 

We remove the term conflict and add the term asymmetry. We think that this last term expresses the problem analyzed in the article.

 

2. I suggest replacing the first-person wording for the classic form - impersonal, third person.

 

We looked at all the text and made the changes, maintaining that which are important to point our view in some cases. For example, in line 241, “we assume a lack…”. Besides this, we pay for a proofing edit.

We hope we have solved the problem.

 

3. The authors mentioned the Law of National Policy on Solid Waste in Brazil, Law 12.205/2010, and used it to outline the problem in the country; however, although the law has been in force for over a decade, it has not had any effect, because the Poder Public does not apply it, lacking reverse logistics of large magazines, the existence of "dumps" and lack of separate collection in most capitals and almost all Brazilian municipalities. This alters the research in Brazil. The reverse logistics system cannot be used for this country. The reality of reverse logistics can only be applied to São Paulo.

 

We agree with your first comment. The reverse logistics of e-waste doesn’t work in Brazil, taking São Paulo as the paradigm. One reason is the difficulty of inspection (line 325- However, the country’s complexity…). The informal market alters the quality and reliability of research, which we comment at line 359(The Public Program is very…) until line 373 (…control and modify?). On the other hand, we don’t have information to agree with your comment, “The reverse logistics system cannot be used for this country. The reality of reverse logistics can only be applied to São Paulo”. We have some informal (not organized) news, especially from Congress, point that the reality can be more efficient in cities like Curitiba (Paraná Estate), and small towns well known by their Electronic Development Technology Park, like Sertãozinho and São Carlos (São Paulo Estate Municipalities). It is challenging to generalize context in Brazil from a specific situation because of diversity. For example, in São Paulo, the people have a certain degree of sustainability consciousness, which is not present in other cities like Rio de Janeiro.

But we didn’t put these observations in the article because they are informal information.    

  

4. I suggest that the authors mention the problem that mirrors the national solid waste policy in Brazil and alters the fundamental research.

 

We add a discussion about this point, starting at line 359(The Public Program is significantly…) until line 373 (…control and modify this informal market?). In these paragraphs, the central issue is the asymmetry between the public program and the reality. This asymmetry is one of the variables that we consider to offer a solution (i.e., the constructed governance when the actors use formal governance and adapt the collective action to each situation or region's reality. 

 

5. I suggest that the authors deepen the problem of the absence of reverse logistics policy in the state/city of São Paulo, as a model for the rest of the country, because indeed, with the suggestion of correcting recycling policies involving several authors, including the third sector, will guarantee the replicability of the subject to other scientists.

 

We extend the discussion about the proposition from line 638(Having created…) until line 691(…efficiency is planted). It is important to clarify that the suggestion could be used to replicability, but the theory foundations about constructed governance asset that every region or local has their specific characteristics, and, precisely because of this arises the necessity to develop the constructed governance. In other words, at least for now, it is not a universal model.

 

Reviewer 3

1. - Table 1: please convert into a figure or insert in the text at p. 2 line 43.

 

All the tables were converted into figures.

 

2. • p. 2 line 65: please improve the literature analysis discussing WEEE management also in other countries in addition to Switzerland and India. Eurostat database contains detailed data on WEEE management in Europe and many scientific articles are available on the analysis of WEEE management in different local contexts, considering all the steps of the management chain (e.g. collection, treatment, recycling).

 

Thank you for the suggestion. We added information from line 60 (Unsustainable…) until 71 (…secondary raw materials), and 81 (Research comparing…) until 117(…supply chain improvement, or technology), about the situation in other countries, the costs, the problems, the proposition of management and the programs' failures.

 

3. • p.2 lines 72-73 and p.3 lines 74-75: please add some details. This part is interesting.

 

We agree with you about the importance and interest of these affirmatives. We add a little discussion, from line 110(Others researchers…) until 120( …sustainable objectives).

 

4. • p.3 line 99: "item 1" is the introduction?

 

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify this division. Item 1 is the Introduction. After presenting the theme, and the proposition, we discuss the theoretical assumptions in item 2, beginning in line 144. To clarify the difference between the items, we rewrite the item title, putting the expression Theoretical Assumptions in front. We also write a sentence at the end of item 1 to clarify that it is finished (line 243 After discussing the starting points….).

 

5. • p. 3 lines 109-112: please add quantitative data about the informal WEEE management, which is highly significant in Latin America (and not only).

 

The informal supply chain is significant in the article. We add information about informal e-waste from line 60 (Unsustainable, even…) to 75 (…Norway with 59%); from 89 (Article on the global…) until 129(…heavy metals), from 361(However, the current …) until 373(… control and modify this informal market?). 

 

6. • p. 3 lines 116-117: please add some details.

 

We comment one by one of the references, from line 160 (Similarly, the e-waste recycling situation …) until 173(…from the actors.)

 

7. • p. 7 figure 1: please remove and insert in the text.

 

We remove Figure 1. In fact, there was repetition. Thank you for the observation.

Reviewer 2 Report

1. I suggest removing the term "conflicts" from the keywords, because it may allow wrong searches via metadata.
2. I suggest replacing the first-person wording for the classic form - impersonal, third person.
3. The authors mentioned the Law of National Policy on Solid Waste in Brazil, Law 12.205/2010 and used it to outline the problem in the country, however, although the law has been in force for over a decade, it has not had any effect, because the POder Public does not apply it, lacking reverse logistics of large magazines, the existence of "dumps" and lack of separate collection in most capitals and almost all Brazilian municipalities. This alters the research in Brazil. The reverse logistics system cannot be used for this country. The reality of reverse logistics can only be applied to São Paulo.
4. I suggest that the authors mention the problem that mirrors the national solid waste policy in Brazil and alters the fundamental research.
5. I suggest that the authors deepen the problem of the absence of reverse logistics policy in the state/city of São Paulo, as a model for the rest of the country, because indeed, with the suggestion of correcting recycling policies involving several authors, including the third sector, will guarantee the replicability of the subject to other scientists.

Author Response

Dear editor and reviewers

We are very grateful for the opportunity to improve our article.

In this letter, we show the adjustments and, if necessary, a justify.

 

Reviewer 1

 

1.It should answer the question: How much waste do we generate?

 

It is a central question. We collected data from Ewaste Monitor, 2020, and Eurostat. From line 33 (This increase…) until line 75 …(United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway) with 59%), we present the numbers about e-waste generated in the world and the division by continent, by countries, including Brazil. At the same time, we show the percentage of e-waste recycling, which raises the question about the motives.

 

2. Explain the economic loss and management costs.

 

Line 104(Estimates indicated…) until line 109(…recycling program) shows the estimated loss in Brazil, the government's cost, and the importance of the e-waste recycling business.

 

3. I appreciate the array of indicators that could be used by both researchers and recycling managers.

 

From line 644(The discussion developed…) until line 680 (…knowledge and information asymmetry), we explain the indicators matrix that could be used both in scientific research and management actions.

 

Reviewer 2

 

1. I suggest removing the term "conflicts" from the keywords because it may allow wrong searches via metadata.

 

We remove the term conflict and add the term asymmetry. We think that this last term expresses the problem analyzed in the article.

 

2. I suggest replacing the first-person wording for the classic form - impersonal, third person.

 

We looked at all the text and made the changes, maintaining that which are important to point our view in some cases. For example, in line 241, “we assume a lack…”. Besides this, we pay for a proofing edit.

We hope we have solved the problem.

 

3. The authors mentioned the Law of National Policy on Solid Waste in Brazil, Law 12.205/2010, and used it to outline the problem in the country; however, although the law has been in force for over a decade, it has not had any effect, because the Poder Public does not apply it, lacking reverse logistics of large magazines, the existence of "dumps" and lack of separate collection in most capitals and almost all Brazilian municipalities. This alters the research in Brazil. The reverse logistics system cannot be used for this country. The reality of reverse logistics can only be applied to São Paulo.

 

We agree with your first comment. The reverse logistics of e-waste doesn’t work in Brazil, taking São Paulo as the paradigm. One reason is the difficulty of inspection (line 325- However, the country’s complexity…). The informal market alters the quality and reliability of research, which we comment at line 359(The Public Program is very…) until line 373 (…control and modify?). On the other hand, we don’t have information to agree with your comment, “The reverse logistics system cannot be used for this country. The reality of reverse logistics can only be applied to São Paulo”. We have some informal (not organized) news, especially from Congress, point that the reality can be more efficient in cities like Curitiba (Paraná Estate), and small towns well known by their Electronic Development Technology Park, like Sertãozinho and São Carlos (São Paulo Estate Municipalities). It is challenging to generalize context in Brazil from a specific situation because of diversity. For example, in São Paulo, the people have a certain degree of sustainability consciousness, which is not present in other cities like Rio de Janeiro.

But we didn’t put these observations in the article because they are informal information.    

  

4. I suggest that the authors mention the problem that mirrors the national solid waste policy in Brazil and alters the fundamental research.

 

We add a discussion about this point, starting at line 359(The Public Program is significantly…) until line 373 (…control and modify this informal market?). In these paragraphs, the central issue is the asymmetry between the public program and the reality. This asymmetry is one of the variables that we consider to offer a solution (i.e., the constructed governance when the actors use formal governance and adapt the collective action to each situation or region's reality. 

 

5. I suggest that the authors deepen the problem of the absence of reverse logistics policy in the state/city of São Paulo, as a model for the rest of the country, because indeed, with the suggestion of correcting recycling policies involving several authors, including the third sector, will guarantee the replicability of the subject to other scientists.

 

We extend the discussion about the proposition from line 638(Having created…) until line 691(…efficiency is planted). It is important to clarify that the suggestion could be used to replicability, but the theory foundations about constructed governance asset that every region or local has their specific characteristics, and, precisely because of this arises the necessity to develop the constructed governance. In other words, at least for now, it is not a universal model.

 

Reviewer 3

 

1. - Table 1: please convert into a figure or insert in the text at p. 2 line 43.

 

All the tables were converted into figures.

 

2. • p. 2 line 65: please improve the literature analysis discussing WEEE management also in other countries in addition to Switzerland and India. Eurostat database contains detailed data on WEEE management in Europe and many scientific articles are available on the analysis of WEEE management in different local contexts, considering all the steps of the management chain (e.g. collection, treatment, recycling).

 

Thank you for the suggestion. We added information from line 60 (Unsustainable…) until 71 (…secondary raw materials), and 81 (Research comparing…) until 117(…supply chain improvement, or technology), about the situation in other countries, the costs, the problems, the proposition of management and the programs' failures.

 

3. • p.2 lines 72-73 and p.3 lines 74-75: please add some details. This part is interesting.

 

We agree with you about the importance and interest of these affirmatives. We add a little discussion, from line 110(Others researchers…) until 120( …sustainable objectives).

 

4. • p.3 line 99: "item 1" is the introduction?

 

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify this division. Item 1 is the Introduction. After presenting the theme, and the proposition, we discuss the theoretical assumptions in item 2, beginning in line 144. To clarify the difference between the items, we rewrite the item title, putting the expression Theoretical Assumptions in front. We also write a sentence at the end of item 1 to clarify that it is finished (line 243 After discussing the starting points….).

 

5. • p. 3 lines 109-112: please add quantitative data about the informal WEEE management, which is highly significant in Latin America (and not only).

 

The informal supply chain is significant in the article. We add information about informal e-waste from line 60 (Unsustainable, even…) to 75 (…Norway with 59%); from 89 (Article on the global…) until 129(…heavy metals), from 361(However, the current …) until 373(… control and modify this informal market?). 

 

6. • p. 3 lines 116-117: please add some details.

 

We comment one by one of the references, from line 160 (Similarly, the e-waste recycling situation …) until 173(…from the actors.)

 

7. • p. 7 figure 1: please remove and insert in the text.

 

We remove Figure 1. In fact, there was repetition. Thank you for the observation.

Reviewer 3 Report

The manuscript analyses the conflicts (and their sources) in e-waste recycling and presents constructive governance as alternative approach. Sao Paulo city was chosen as case study.

I found the manuscript interesting and I think that it offers an original research perspective on WEEE management, which is usually focused on collection and treatment. Sao Paulo, considering the very low WEEE recycling rate in Latin America, in an interesting case study.

some minor recommendations, mainly on the first part of the manuscript:

- Table 1: please convert into a figure or insert in the text at p. 2 line 43.

• p. 2 line 65: please improve the literature analysis discussing WEEE management also in other countries in addition to Switzerland and India. Eurostat database contains detailed data on WEEE management in Europe and many scientific articles are available on the analysis of WEEE management in different local context, considering all the steps of the management chain (e.g. collection, treatment, recycling).
• p.2 lines 72-73 and p.3 lines 74-75: please add some details. this part is interesting.
• p.3 line 99: "item 1" is the introduction?
• p. 3 lines 109-112: please add quantitative data about the informal WEEE management, which is highly significant in Latin America (and not only).
• p. 3 lines 116-117: please add some details.
• p. 7 figure 1: please remove and insert in the text.

Author Response

Dear editor and reviewers

We are very grateful for the opportunity to improve our article.

In this letter, we show the adjustments and, if necessary, a justify.

 

Reviewer 1

 

1.It should answer the question: How much waste do we generate?

 

It is a central question. We collected data from Ewaste Monitor, 2020, and Eurostat. From line 33 (This increase…) until line 75 …(United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway) with 59%), we present the numbers about e-waste generated in the world and the division by continent, by countries, including Brazil. At the same time, we show the percentage of e-waste recycling, which raises the question about the motives.

 

2. Explain the economic loss and management costs.

 

Line 104(Estimates indicated…) until line 109(…recycling program) shows the estimated loss in Brazil, the government's cost, and the importance of the e-waste recycling business.

 

3. I appreciate the array of indicators that could be used by both researchers and recycling managers.

 

From line 644(The discussion developed…) until line 680 (…knowledge and information asymmetry), we explain the indicators matrix that could be used both in scientific research and management actions.

 

Reviewer 2

 

1. I suggest removing the term "conflicts" from the keywords because it may allow wrong searches via metadata.

 

We remove the term conflict and add the term asymmetry. We think that this last term expresses the problem analyzed in the article.

 

2. I suggest replacing the first-person wording for the classic form - impersonal, third person.

 

We looked at all the text and made the changes, maintaining that which are important to point our view in some cases. For example, in line 241, “we assume a lack…”. Besides this, we pay for a proofing edit.

We hope we have solved the problem.

 

3. The authors mentioned the Law of National Policy on Solid Waste in Brazil, Law 12.205/2010, and used it to outline the problem in the country; however, although the law has been in force for over a decade, it has not had any effect, because the Poder Public does not apply it, lacking reverse logistics of large magazines, the existence of "dumps" and lack of separate collection in most capitals and almost all Brazilian municipalities. This alters the research in Brazil. The reverse logistics system cannot be used for this country. The reality of reverse logistics can only be applied to São Paulo.

 

We agree with your first comment. The reverse logistics of e-waste doesn’t work in Brazil, taking São Paulo as the paradigm. One reason is the difficulty of inspection (line 325- However, the country’s complexity…). The informal market alters the quality and reliability of research, which we comment at line 359(The Public Program is very…) until line 373 (…control and modify?). On the other hand, we don’t have information to agree with your comment, “The reverse logistics system cannot be used for this country. The reality of reverse logistics can only be applied to São Paulo”. We have some informal (not organized) news, especially from Congress, point that the reality can be more efficient in cities like Curitiba (Paraná Estate), and small towns well known by their Electronic Development Technology Park, like Sertãozinho and São Carlos (São Paulo Estate Municipalities). It is challenging to generalize context in Brazil from a specific situation because of diversity. For example, in São Paulo, the people have a certain degree of sustainability consciousness, which is not present in other cities like Rio de Janeiro.

But we didn’t put these observations in the article because they are informal information.    

  

4. I suggest that the authors mention the problem that mirrors the national solid waste policy in Brazil and alters the fundamental research.

 

We add a discussion about this point, starting at line 359(The Public Program is significantly…) until line 373 (…control and modify this informal market?). In these paragraphs, the central issue is the asymmetry between the public program and the reality. This asymmetry is one of the variables that we consider to offer a solution (i.e., the constructed governance when the actors use formal governance and adapt the collective action to each situation or region's reality. 

 

5. I suggest that the authors deepen the problem of the absence of reverse logistics policy in the state/city of São Paulo, as a model for the rest of the country, because indeed, with the suggestion of correcting recycling policies involving several authors, including the third sector, will guarantee the replicability of the subject to other scientists.

 

We extend the discussion about the proposition from line 638(Having created…) until line 691(…efficiency is planted). It is important to clarify that the suggestion could be used to replicability, but the theory foundations about constructed governance asset that every region or local has their specific characteristics, and, precisely because of this arises the necessity to develop the constructed governance. In other words, at least for now, it is not a universal model.

 

Reviewer 3

 

1. - Table 1: please convert into a figure or insert in the text at p. 2 line 43.

 

All the tables were converted into figures.

 

2. • p. 2 line 65: please improve the literature analysis discussing WEEE management also in other countries in addition to Switzerland and India. Eurostat database contains detailed data on WEEE management in Europe and many scientific articles are available on the analysis of WEEE management in different local contexts, considering all the steps of the management chain (e.g. collection, treatment, recycling).

 

Thank you for the suggestion. We added information from line 60 (Unsustainable…) until 71 (…secondary raw materials), and 81 (Research comparing…) until 117(…supply chain improvement, or technology), about the situation in other countries, the costs, the problems, the proposition of management and the programs' failures.

 

3. • p.2 lines 72-73 and p.3 lines 74-75: please add some details. This part is interesting.

 

We agree with you about the importance and interest of these affirmatives. We add a little discussion, from line 110(Others researchers…) until 120( …sustainable objectives).

 

4. • p.3 line 99: "item 1" is the introduction?

 

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify this division. Item 1 is the Introduction. After presenting the theme, and the proposition, we discuss the theoretical assumptions in item 2, beginning in line 144. To clarify the difference between the items, we rewrite the item title, putting the expression Theoretical Assumptions in front. We also write a sentence at the end of item 1 to clarify that it is finished (line 243 After discussing the starting points….).

 

5. • p. 3 lines 109-112: please add quantitative data about the informal WEEE management, which is highly significant in Latin America (and not only).

 

The informal supply chain is significant in the article. We add information about informal e-waste from line 60 (Unsustainable, even…) to 75 (…Norway with 59%); from 89 (Article on the global…) until 129(…heavy metals), from 361(However, the current …) until 373(… control and modify this informal market?). 

 

6. • p. 3 lines 116-117: please add some details.

 

We comment one by one of the references, from line 160 (Similarly, the e-waste recycling situation …) until 173(…from the actors.)

 

7. • p. 7 figure 1: please remove and insert in the text.

 

We remove Figure 1. In fact, there was repetition. Thank you for the observation.

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

I understand that the authors made all corrections suggested by the reviewers.
Working on the subject area of the article is not easy.
For the love of discussion: The Brazilian national solid waste policy law obliges retailers to collect lamp waste, for example, when trying to acquire a new one. Such a situation is not realized in Brazil, so reverse logistics is ineffective in the country. Those who work in the legal area live with such problems daily.
I congratulate the authors.