A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis for the Design of a Traceable and Sustainable Model for WEEE Information Management in Ecuador Based on the Circular Economy

Abstract

The rapid increase in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) creates major environmental and governance issues in developing countries like Ecuador struggle because they with minimal formal collection and recycling rates. This research presents a potential sustainable management approach that tracks products through their life cycles while following circular economy principles that include product extension and material extraction and waste minimization. A systematic literature review (SLR) using the PRISMA methodology combined with a bibliometric analysis found essential global strategies and technological frameworks and regulatory frameworks. The analysis of articles demonstrates that information management systems (IMSs) together with digital technologies and consistent regulations serve as essential elements for enhancing traceability and material recovery and formal recycling processes. A WEEE management IMS model was developed for the Ecuadorian market through an analysis of the findings; it follows a five-stage development process, starting from the technological infrastructure setup to complete data visualization integration. The proposed model is designed to enable public–private–community partnerships using digital tools that promote sustainable practices. The combination of circular strategies with traceability technologies and strong regulatory frameworks leads to improved WEEE governance, which supports sustainable system transitions in emerging economies.

1. Introduction

The exponential rise in WEEE stems from recent technological developments that have caused massive consumption of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). WEEE has become the fastest-growing waste category among solid waste in the world today. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, the worldwide WEEE production exceeded 62 million tons in 2022, while forecasters predict it to reach 82 million tons by 2030. The present statistics show that WEEE collection and proper treatment reached only 22.3%, yet most waste ends up unmanaged or goes through informal disposal, which produces dangerous environmental impacts as well as health risks [1].

WEEE contains various hazardous substances that pose serious threats to both human health and the environment. Among the most critical are heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can leach into soil and water, causing neurotoxicity, kidney damage, and developmental effects, particularly in children [2,3]. Beyond metals, WEEE is also a significant source of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). These compounds are resistant to environmental degradation, tend to bioaccumulate in living organisms, and have been associated with endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, reproductive harm, and various cancers [3,4].

Despite these risks, WEEE also holds considerable economic potential due to the presence of precious and strategic metals such as gold, copper, and platinum. When processed through well-designed recycling systems, these materials can be recovered efficiently, reducing reliance on virgin mining and contributing to resource sustainability [5,6]. Thus, the sustainable management of WEEE requires an integrated approach that simultaneously mitigates environmental and health hazards while leveraging the economic value embedded in discarded electronics.

Latin America faces a critical challenge in managing WEEE, with Ecuador exemplifying these difficulties. According to the Ministerio del Ambiente, Agua y Transición Ecológica [7], Ecuador generates approximately 87,575 tonnes of WEEE annually. This volume corresponds to an estimated 5.1 kg per capita per year, calculated based on the country’s population of approximately 17 million inhabitants, as reported by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos [7,8].

Despite this significant generation of electronic waste, the formal collection and treatment rate remains below 3% according to the latest official MAATE reports, highlighting a considerable gap in proper waste management infrastructure and practices [7,9].

The low formal collection rate is attributed to several factors identified in governmental studies: inadequate public awareness of WEEE risks, limited number and accessibility of authorized collection points, weak financial incentives for consumers and collectors, and fragmented legal and institutional frameworks that hinder comprehensive management. Ecuador currently lacks a specific and unified national law dedicated solely to WEEE management. Existing policies such as the Reglamento de Responsabilidad Extendida del Productor regulate certain categories of electronic waste but fall short of full compliance with international frameworks such as the European Union WEEE Directive and the Basel Convention [7,10].

To partially address these challenges, MAATE has implemented pilot projects and environmental licensing mechanisms, including the launch of an interactive national map showing 257 official WEEE collection points, aimed at improving access and collection coverage. However, these efforts remain fragmented and insufficient for establishing a coordinated and sustainable national WEEE management system [7].

The circular economy represents a strategic approach to achieve sustainable WEEE management. It contrasts with traditional linear “extract–use–dispose” practices by promoting reduction, reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling in order to maximize product life cycles and minimize resource strain. Recent studies have demonstrated that implementing circular economy models in the management of WEEE, such as extended producer responsibility schemes, shared recycling frameworks, and IoT-based collection systems, significantly reduces reliance on landfilling and mitigates the environmental impacts associated with the extraction and processing of virgin raw materials. These strategies, implemented in countries such as Mexico and China, not only optimize the recovery of valuable components but also promote sustainable behavior among consumers [5,11,12].

The WEEE sector in Ecuador benefits from national plans that support resource efficiency and circular economy principles through the Plan Nacional de Eficiencia de Recursos and Política Nacional de Economía Circular Inclusiva, yet these policies have not achieved substantial implementation [7]. A complete framework which unites all essential participants, from producers through recyclers and municipal entities and citizens, needs to be developed to create an integrated circular system [13]. The challenges of e-waste management are exacerbated by the lack of digital tracking technologies, which hinders transparency across the entire life cycle of electronic products. Without reliable traceability systems, it becomes difficult to monitor the flow of WEEE, detect informal practices, ensure regulatory compliance, and make informed decisions for sustainable waste handling.

The creation of traceability systems together with Information Management Systems (IMSs) serves as a fundamental requirement for building effective circular models. These instruments track resources through every stage of production until disposal and help identify illicit activities while delivering essential information for policy creation. Developing countries including Ecuador still face challenges in digitalizing their environmental governance because the process remains in its early stages. The absence of unified platforms between producers and environmental regulators along with customs leads to diminished oversight, which results in weak accountability [14,15].

Recent years have seen an increase in WEEE management scientific studies across the world because experts understand the necessity of developing sustainable systemic approaches. Studies have investigated technical solutions together with regulatory systems and reverse supply chain operations and explore how Internet of Things (IoT) blockchain and digital platforms help increase efficiency while enhancing transparency [5,12,13]. These tools play an essential role in tracing products and ensuring regulatory compliance while enabling data-based decision making.

The existing body of knowledge remains fragmented at present. The studies display significant differences because they rely on various factors, including regional characteristics together with institutional growth levels and technological readiness and public involvement levels. The advanced waste electronic equipment management systems in industrialized countries stand in contrast to the developing nation of Ecuador, where informality and low collection rates and limited institutional capacity exist [5,15].

The present situation demands a systematic literature review along with a bibliometric analysis to combine the scattered evidence and recognize patterns while extracting useful insights for related scenarios. A combined method enables complete understanding of WEEE management through its technical aspects along with regulatory aspects and environmental aspects and socio-economic dimensions. The research establishes fundamental principles to create an information management system model that meets Ecuadorian requirements while following circular economy principles [12].

Modern studies prove that full implementation of integrated technological and organizational solutions that guarantee real-time monitoring across all WEEE value chain stages will solve these limitations. The research of Widanapathirana et al. [16] and Pereira et al. [17] shows that cloud-based centralized platforms must handle extensive amounts of diverse dynamic data to enhance monitoring capabilities and system control along with interoperability. Goyal et al. [18] prove that uniting waste generator location data with smart route optimization systems boosts collection system performance, particularly when dealing with dispersed geographical areas. According to Dehghan et al. [19] and Gao and Li [6], the adoption of modular and expandable system architectures along with standardized classification systems and reverse logistics networks improves coordination between waste sources and recovery centers and recycling facilities. Research findings confirm that inventory tracking, along with equipment condition monitoring systems combined with data visualization tools, enhance system decision making and transparency and stakeholder engagement across all system levels [5,12].

The literature shows that efficient e-waste governance requires institutional coherence together with inclusive policy frameworks and economic instruments that drive formalization and accountability processes. According to Grandhi and Pillai [13] and Correia et al. [15], digital innovations need to be synchronized with extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and licensing regulations and incentive mechanisms that engage all stakeholders throughout the WEEE value chain. The public policies in Mexico have achieved significant success in promoting ecodesign and repair along with reuse practices according to Pérez and González [5], who also showed that these policies incorporated informal actors into sustainable systems to some extent. The governance structure in Brazil remains fragmented and the absence of system interoperability creates scalability challenges for circular practices according to Correia et al. [15]. Gao and Li [6] explain how Chinese rural areas use cooperative models which connect producers to recyclers by implementing localized inventory systems to enhance traceability in areas with limited infrastructure.

Multiple studies demonstrate that no single element alone will guarantee the achievement of WEEE system success. Digital tools along with regulatory support and institutional engagement and community participation create adaptive and sustainable solutions through their coordinated integration. Multiple dimensions documented in influential studies across the field converge to create comprehensive governance models that address structural weaknesses and enable development. These elements, when combined correctly, establish a solid base for developing inclusive traceable circular information management systems that align with this research proposal [12,19].

This research investigates the development of an adaptable and expandable Information Management System (IMS) to handle WEEE waste in Ecuador. This proposed model draws from a systematic literature review combined with a bibliometric analysis to integrate circular economy principles with digital tracking systems and institutional partnership functions. The system’s design tackles the Ecuadorian system’s structural weaknesses by offering a replicable approach for emerging economies to transform e-waste management through inclusive technology-based solutions.

2. Materials and Methods

This study follows a systematic literature review methodology based on a qualitative–descriptive and quantitative analysis. The process adhered to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines [15], ensuring methodological transparency, replicability, and consistency. The review was structured into three core phases, Identification, screening, and inclusion, as illustrated in Figure 1.

2.1. Identification Phase

The identification phase involved systematic searches conducted across four major academic databases: Scopus (n = 1840), ScienceDirect (n = 2963), Web of Science (n = 1291), and Springer (n = 2598). No study registers were used, as the scope of this review was limited to the published academic literature. The search process yielded a total of 8692 records. A manual deduplication process was performed to remove 4273 repeated entries, resulting in 4419 unique records eligible for screening.

To ensure thematic alignment with the research objectives, three advanced Boolean search strings were formulated and applied across all the databases [20,21]. Each string was designed to target a specific thematic dimension:

• Treatment and management of e-waste: Studies focused on technical and operational aspects such as collection, recycling, and disposal methodologies.
  (“waste” OR “refuse” OR “scrap” OR “discarded”) AND (“electrical” OR “electronic” OR “e-waste” OR “electronic waste”) AND (“equipment” OR “devices” OR “appliances” OR “machinery”) AND (“management” OR “handling” OR “disposal” OR “recycling”) AND (“methodology” OR “approach” OR “strategy” OR “technique”).
• Digital technologies and sustainability in e-waste systems: Studies exploring how digital tools (e.g., IoT, information systems, blockchain) contribute to traceability and environmental sustainability.
  (“emerging technology” OR “innovation” OR “advancement” OR “development”) AND (“information management” OR “data management” OR “information system” OR “data system”) AND (“waste” OR “electronic waste” OR “e-waste” OR “waste electrical and electronic equipment”) AND (“recycling” OR “disposal” OR “treatment” OR “processing”) AND (“sustainability” OR “environment” OR “eco-friendly” OR “green technology”).
• Circular economy strategies and governance models: Literature addressing circular economy frameworks, sustainable governance, and regulatory models applied to WEEE.
  (“e-waste” OR “electronic waste” OR “WEEE”) AND (“management” OR “handling”) AND (“methods” OR “approaches”) AND (“circular economy” OR “sustainability”).

2.2. Screening Phase

After removing duplicates, 4419 records were screened by title and abstract. Of these, 2896 were excluded for being books (n = 1299) or conference proceedings (n = 1597), leaving 1523 documents selected for full-text retrieval. However, 725 of these could not be accessed due to institutional restrictions or broken links, resulting in 798 full-text articles assessed for eligibility.

The screening and eligibility assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. A predefined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, summarized in

Table 1. Inclusion/exclusion criteria table.

Aspect	Inclusion Criteria	Exclusion Criteria
Document Type	Articles	Books, chapters, reports, conferences
Language	English	Languages other than English
Period	Publication between 2019 and 2025	Publication prior to 2019
Full-text Availability	Available	Not available
Relevance	Studies with relevant quantitative, qualitative or bibliometric data	Irrelevant information or unclear methodologies
Topic	WEEE management Circular economy applied to WEEE Information Management Systems (IMSs) Sustainable strategies or policies in WEEE CE and IMS models related to WEEE	Studies not addressing WEEE management Research without mention of IMSs Compound analysis without management focus Studies with no connection to circular economy Generic waste with no mention of WEEE Works on composting or other solid waste

Note: Despite the fact that this review was designed and executed in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines (see Supplementary Materials), with a view to ensuring transparency, completeness and methodological traceability, certain sections were either not applicable or were addressed in a limited way due to the qualitative, exploratory, and bibliometric nature of the study. It is evident that a meta-analysis or a statistical synthesis was not conducted, which consequently resulted in the absence of any effect measures. Moreover, formal assessments of publication bias and the certainty of evidence were not undertaken. Furthermore, no specific tools were utilized to assess the risk of bias at the level of individual studies, nor were sensitivity analyses performed. Conversely, a narrative synthesis, complemented by bibliometric analysis, was selected in order to achieve the objectives of thematic exploration and construction of a contextual model. Despite the absence of a documented protocol, the methodological procedures are delineated with sufficient detail to facilitate reproducibility. The data extracted and the codes used can be requested from the corresponding author.

, was applied to ensure thematic focus, methodological soundness, and relevance to the objectives of the study. Any disagreements between reviewers were resolved through structured discussion and consensus, in accordance with best practices for systematic reviews [22,23,24].

2.3. Inclusion Phase

A total of 171 studies met all the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. All selected articles were published between 2019 and 2025, written in English, peer-reviewed, with the full text available. The year 2019 was selected as the starting point to ensure the inclusion of recent and updated frameworks, technologies, and regulatory developments in WEEE management. Studies published prior to this year were not excluded due to lack of relevance, but because their core findings have already been integrated and cited in more recent literature. Including them would introduce redundancy with previous reviews. Moreover, most contemporary works build upon foundational knowledge developed before 2019, allowing this review to focus on more current approaches while still being supported by earlier contributions.

Thematic focus areas included WEEE management, circular economy applications, information management systems (IMSs), enabling technologies, and regulatory or policy frameworks.

Data extraction was performed manually using a standardized matrix. For each article, relevant variables were recorded, including publication year, title, authors, country of origin, research methodology (quantitative, qualitative, bibliometric), main thematic axis (CE, IMS, WEEE), applied technologies, and references to sustainability or traceability strategies, as described in Table 1. No automation tools or external data requests were used.

The synthesis of results was carried out through a combination of narrative analysis and bibliometric techniques. Thematic grouping allowed the classification of studies by focus area, while a bibliometric analysis using the Bibliometrix package in RStudio (version 4.4.3, 2025) enabled the identification of trends, keyword co-occurrence, and collaboration networks [25,26].

3. Results

3.1. Systematic Literature Review

This section presents the results of a systematic literature review aimed at identifying prevailing approaches in the global context. Based on the articles selected under rigorous methodological criteria, a critical synthesis of relevant findings was consolidated, allowing the identification of current trends, research gaps, and significant contributions in the field. This theoretical foundation supports the development of the proposed model for Ecuador by linking the system’s components with existing scientific evidence [22,27].

3.1.1. Circular Economy Strategies in WEEE Management

The adoption of circular strategies in WEEE management represents a fundamental transformation toward more sustainable production and consumption models. These strategies, which encompass ecodesign, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling, allow the extension of product lifespans, reduce dependence on virgin raw materials, and minimize the environmental footprint associated with e-waste. Unlike traditional linear models, circular approaches not only promote resource efficiency but also generate economic opportunities through material recovery and value chain optimization [25,28,29].

The systematic review revealed a growing consensus on the integration of circular economy (CE) principles as a strategic foundation for effective WEEE governance. Numerous studies confirm that CE-based strategies significantly reduce environmental impacts, particularly by minimizing landfill use and lowering emissions related to raw material extraction and processing [11,12]. Among the most prominent approaches are product life extension through repair and reuse, remanufacturing of components, and efficient recycling systems. In particular, urban mining for the recovery of critical raw materials such as gold, copper, and rare earth elements has emerged as a key mechanism to address resource scarcity while strengthening localized circular supply chains [30,31].

However, effective implementation of these strategies requires more than just recycling. The literature emphasizes the critical role of digital infrastructure, specifically Information Management Systems (IMSs), in enabling traceability, coordination, and monitoring across the entire WEEE value chain [19,32]. Emerging digital tools, including IoT, sensors, blockchain-based registries, and cloud platforms, have proven instrumental in tracking product flows, enhancing transparency, and promoting accountability among producers, consumers, recyclers, and regulators [18,33]. These innovations support the transition from fragmented and informal systems to structured, data-driven models aligned with CE principles.

In this regard, circular strategies contribute meaningfully to improved WEEE management by (i) reducing reliance on virgin resources, (ii) unlocking economic value through secondary resource recovery, and (iii) enabling more inclusive systems that incorporate informal actors into regulated frameworks [34,35].

Table 2. Circular economy strategies in WEEE management.

Category	Strategy	Description	Contribution to Sustainability	References
Technological	Digital twin	Virtual modeling of WEEE recycling processes to optimize separation, recovery, and remanufacturing by integrating Industry 4.0.	Increases efficiency, material recovery, enhances sustainability and traceability; reduces costs and time.	[32,36,37]
	Digital platforms and information systems for WEEE	Use of apps, maps, and web platforms to connect citizens with collection points and certified recyclers.	Increases formal collection and traceability; improves recycling access and reduces informal disposal.	[23,33,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45]
	IoT and component tracking in WEEE	Use of sensors, RFID, and IoT to track in real time the life cycle of electronic products and components.	Improves traceability, automates recycling, and reduces losses and illegal dumping.	[12,46,47,48,49,50,51,52]
	Smart technologies for WEEE sorting and recycling	Application of computer vision, AI, and robotics to automate sorting and disassembly.	Increases efficiency, precision, and safety in recycling processes while reducing costs and human exposure.	[53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60]
	Critical material recovery and clean technologies	Use of clean technologies (such as bio-hydrometallurgy) to recover valuable metals from WEEE with lower environmental impact.	Reduces dependence on primary mining and improves sustainability in the tech supply chain.	[61,62]
	Integration of Industry 4.0 technologies in WEEE management	Application of 3D printing, IoT, and data analytics to optimize the life cycle and recycling of electronics.	Enhances industrial circularity by reusing materials and digitally coordinating recovery logistics.	[12,32,48,49,50,51,53,55,58,59,63]
Policy and Regulatory	Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)	Schemes that require manufacturers to finance and manage the full life cycle of their electronic products.	Promotes ecodesign, funds recycling, reduces illegal exports, and improves recovery rates.	[64,65,66,67,68]
	Policy evaluation and circularity indices	Development of indicators (such as the Waste Circularity Index) to measure circularity and evaluate policies in WEEE management.	Enables comparison of progress, identification of gaps, and guidance for regulatory improvements and investments in effective circular strategies.	[31,69]
	Responsibility models and government strategies	Government-driven schemes that assign targets and responsibilities in WEEE management, including “zero waste” models.	Increases accountability and enhances collection and recycling rates through clear objectives and stakeholder coordination.	[6,11,24,40,70]
Social and Educational	Citizen participation and incentives for WEEE recycling	Strategies to motivate consumers through incentives, educational campaigns, and digital tools.	Increases formal collection and environmental awareness, enhancing the reach of recycling programs.	[45,71,72,73,74,75]
	WEEE management in educational institutions	Programs to collect and manage WEEE generated in universities and schools, integrating environmental education.	Promotes sustainable practices, improves responsible disposal, and raises awareness in academic communities.	[76,77,78]
	Integration of the informal sector in WEEE management	Approaches to incorporate informal recyclers into formal systems through incentives, barrier removal, and control of illegal flows.	Promotes social inclusion, raises environmental standards, and improves efficiency in material recovery.	[79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87]
Logistical and Supply Chain	Reverse logistics and WEEE supply chain	Optimization of networks for collection, transport, and recycling of WEEE, integrating dynamic models and life cycle assessments.	Improves logistics efficiency, value recovery, and regulatory compliance while reducing environmental impacts.	[15,22,88,89,90,91,92]
	Closed-loop WEEE supply chains	Coordination among manufacturers, retailers, and recyclers to reintegrate WEEE as production input.	Reduces waste, improves material recovery, and creates economic efficiency in closed cycles.	[91,93,94]
Economic and Business Model	Remanufacturing and refurbishment of WEEE	Processes for reconditioning and remanufacturing electronics to reintegrate them into the production cycle.	Extends product lifespan, reduces waste, and fosters trust in circular tech products.	[25,95,96,97]
	Circular business models and PSS	Implementation of schemes such as product-service systems (PSSs) and strategic tools to align electronic business models with circular principles.	Promotes reuse and recycling by extending product lifespan and aligning business incentives with sustainability.	[35,98,99,100,101]
	Repair and reuse of WEEE	Initiatives to extend the useful life of electronics through repair, refurbishment, and the right to repair.	Reduces waste generation, prolongs device use, and optimizes resource utilization.	[27,102,103,104,105,106]
	Urban mining in WEEE	Recovery of metals and critical materials from WEEE in urban environments through local models and actor integration.	Reduces primary extraction and strengthens urban circular chains by recovering valuable resources.	[28,29,30,107,108]
	Creative and industrial reuse of WEEE	Upcycling and integration of WEEE as inputs in industrial processes and green chemical applications.	Reduces waste and fosters industrial symbiosis by replacing virgin materials with recovered ones.	[109,110]
Methodological and Analytical	Multicriteria methods for WEEE management	Application of multicriteria decision-making methods to prioritize strategies considering economic, social, and environmental aspects.	Helps identify sustainable and context-appropriate solutions for efficient WEEE management.	[111,112,113]
	Game theory models applied to WEEE	Analysis of strategic interactions among stakeholders using cooperative and evolutionary models.	Reveals how to design policies that encourage cooperation and adoption of circular practices.	[114,115]
	SUSTWEEE methodology for sustainable WEEE management	Framework integrating environmental, economic, and social indicators to evaluate sustainability in WEEE management.	Facilitates balanced decision making toward more circular and sustainable management, guiding policies and practices.	[69,116]

summarizes the main identified strategies for WEEE management, their contribution to sustainability, and the corresponding references.

3.1.2. Information Management Systems (IMSs) in WEEE Management

The management of WEEE faces significant challenges in terms of traceability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance [52]. Information Management Systems (IMSs) have proven to be essential for structuring and optimizing the handling of such waste, providing a digital infrastructure that facilitates data centralization, real-time monitoring, and process auditing [11,97].

Specialized IMSs allow for the automated identification and classification of electronic waste, ensuring more efficient and auditable processes [64,79]. In highly digitalized economies, the adoption of structured databases has optimized the traceability of electronic waste, ensuring proper disposal and reducing environmental impacts [99,117]. However, in contexts with lower technological integration, the absence of such systems limits efficient WEEE management, affecting regulatory oversight and hindering compliance with environmental regulations [48,90].

The implementation of IMSs in WEEE management not only facilitates the structuring of key data, but also enables the use of predictive models to anticipate waste generation volumes, support decision-making systems, optimize collection routes, and improve control over recycling processes. Various studies have identified that digitizing the process enables more transparent, structured, and effective management, reducing operational costs and strengthening infrastructure planning [56,118]. These findings are reflected in

Table 3. Information Management Systems in WEEE management.

IMS Platform	Description	References
ERP (enterprise resource planning)	Enterprise resource planning software that enables integration of modules for WEEE management, including inventory control, operational cost tracking, and automated collection processes.	[64,79,81,119]
Web and mobile systems	Applications designed for real-time WEEE management, with user-friendly interfaces for waste generation tracking, identification of collection points, and disposal analysis.	[33,46,47,48,74,99,107,120,121]
Blockchain platforms	Distributed ledger systems that ensure data immutability in WEEE management, enabling smart contracts for automated recycling processes and regulatory compliance validation.	[21,117,122,123,124,125]
Cloud-based centralized databases	Structured WEEE storage infrastructure with scalable architecture, allowing multi-user access and trend analysis of waste generation on integrated platforms.	[33,46,52,63,126]
IoT systems and digital twins	Simulation models that digitally replicate the behavior of WEEE in virtual environments, enabling predictive analysis and optimization of disassembly and material recovery processes.	[32,40,56,58,127]
e-SWIS System	Platform based on electronic manifests for WEEE management documentation and certification, with functionalities for automatic logging, document validation, and control of recycling operations.	[48,50]
Recycling monitoring platforms	Specialized software for measuring the performance of WEEE recycling plants, enabling energy efficiency analysis, bottleneck detection, and processing-line optimization.	[23,34,48,57,91,114]
O2O System (Online to Offline)	Platform integrated with reverse logistics systems, used to coordinate the delivery of WEEE from consumers to recycling centers through automated collection and sorting processes.	[24,39,65,73,104,115]
VOS2	Advanced operational control system for WEEE recovery, with functionalities for process modeling, management of electronic waste inventories, and optimization of supply chains in industrial recycling.	[23,52,62,128]

.

3.1.3. Key Technologies in IMSs Applied to WEEE

The implementation of technology within Information Management Systems (IMSs) has transformed WEEE management through precise automated sustainable practices [32,122]. The digitalization process serves as a core foundation that enables efficient data collection and storage and processing of WEEE flow information while maintaining complete life cycle tracking of electronic waste [47,54]. Scientific research demonstrates that IMS technologies optimize collection and recovery logistics while improving operational oversight and regulatory compliance, which enhances recycling traceability and supports production chain reintegration [42,129].

Combining digital processing, data automation, and predictive modeling technologies enables global WEEE monitoring, which results in a more structured and efficient management system [23,128]. The centralization of information through digital platforms enables IMSs to improve electronic-waste-tracking transparency, which supports environmental audits and correct material disposal [32,49]. The implementation of technology in IMS encounters obstacles because of inconsistent system standards and database connectivity issues and restricted access in areas with limited infrastructure [56,58]. Digital solutions have proven essential for improving traceability and recycling efficiency and WEEE environmental impact reduction according to studies which validate their effectiveness in electronic waste management [117]. These findings are reflected in

Table 4. Technologies incorporated into Information Management Systems.

Technology	Description	Contribution to Traceability	References
RFID sensors	Automatic identification devices that enable real-time tracking of WEEE movement and status.	Improve accuracy in tracking waste from generation to recycling.	[12,22,32,34,46,47,50,51,54,64,82,105,116,125]
Big data and predictive analytics	Algorithms for processing large datasets applied to WEEE management.	Identify waste generation patterns and optimize recycling routes.	[42,43,54,57,63,129,130,131]
Real-time geolocation with GPS/GIS	Positioning systems to map the flow of WEEE.	Facilitate tracking of waste in supply chains and reverse logistics.	[11,21,22,23,28,46,50,63,76,92,121,122,128,132]
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)	Computational models capable of analyzing data and optimizing decisions in WEEE management.	Enable automated waste classification and improve generation prediction.	[18,19,24,35,42,49,50,51,57,58,59,60,63,74,90,100,113,123,127,131,133,134,135,136,137]
Deep learning (neural networks, computer vision)	Advanced AI algorithms applied to visual identification of WEEE.	Facilitate automation in classification and material recovery.	[55,57,58,105,127,138]
Blockchain	Distributed ledger technology that ensures data immutability in WEEE management.	Certifies operations and enhances transparency in electronic waste tracking.	[12,21,24,42,51,55,81,89,99,117,122,123,125,131,134,137,139,140,141,142]
Digital twins	Virtual models that simulate physical processes in WEEE management.	Enable predictive analysis and optimization of waste life cycles.	[32,56,58]
QR codes	Digital codes that facilitate WEEE identification and access to recycling information.	Improve traceability through digital tagging on electronic devices.	[32,46,49,122,134,141,143]
NFC	Short-range wireless communication technology used in WEEE identification.	Optimizes waste tracking at collection and recycling points.	[32,46,122,134,141,143]
Automation and robotics	Mechanical systems that optimize disassembly and separation of electronic materials.	Increase efficiency in classification and recovery of valuable components.	[18,22,34,42,54,55,63,93,122]
Smart contracts	Programmable algorithms on blockchain that automate WEEE management processes.	Ensure regulatory compliance and optimize electronic waste traceability.	[21,117,139]
Edge computing	Real-time data processing at the network edge to enhance WEEE management.	Enables immediate monitoring of waste and speeds up recycling decision making.	[21,50,52,59,122]
LPWAN networks	Low-power wireless communication technologies to connect IoT devices in WEEE management.	Enhance remote tracking of electronic waste with efficient connectivity.	[34,50,52]
Centralized databases	Structured systems for storing data on WEEE generation and disposal.	Enable digital auditing and ensure secure access to management records.	[46,52,55,99,103,110,126,133,144]
Internet of Things (IoT)	Device infrastructure for intelligent monitoring and control of electronic waste.	Optimizes traceability through sensors that collect real-time data.	[12,21,22,23,24,32,33,34,35,42,46,48,49,51,57,60,63,97,117,122,127,130,131,133,134,138,139,140,145]

.

3.1.4. Regulatory and Policy Aspects for Traceability and Sustainability

The proper management of WEEE depends on strong legal and institutional frameworks that maintain product traceability and sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle. The Basel Convention together with the European Union’s WEEE Directive and multilateral agreements have established worldwide standards for e-waste management and border control and producer responsibility programs [10,15,31].

National policy instruments, which include licensing systems and ecodesign mandates, and take-back programs and fiscal incentives have boosted collection rates and formalized recycling actors while promoting circular economy principles [13,35,84]. The combination of digital infrastructure elements, such as traceability platforms and centralized databases, with regulatory frameworks has improved compliance and transparency and increased stakeholder accountability [12,32]. The combination of regulatory coherence with local inventory systems in Mexico and China has resulted in measurable improvements for monitoring and coordination throughout the WEEE value chain [5,6].

The effective implementation of WEEE management remains challenging in Ecuador because the country lacks a specific national WEEE law and faces weak enforcement capabilities and institutional fragmentation. The existing environmental licensing frameworks together with Ministry of Environment pilot initiatives have shown limited success because they do not fully meet international standards and lack interoperable digital systems [7,14].

This systematic review identifies the main regulatory and policy frameworks, which are presented in

Table 5. Regulatory and policy frameworks.

Regulatory and Policy Frameworks	Description	Impact on WEEE Management	References
EU WEEE Directive	Legislation requires EEE producers to handle the collection, recycling, and extended responsibility of EEE products.	Improves WEEE collection metrics and supports product design for sustainability and WEEE tracking systems.	[16,64,69,119,132,144]
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)	The principle of EPR makes producers accountable for managing WEEE after consumer use.	Ecodesign becomes more prevalent while formal recovery practices and material loop closure gain momentum.	[6,13,17,18,19,66,67,107,146]
Basel Convention on Transboundary Movements	This international treaty establishes standards for controlling hazardous waste exports that include WEEE.	The policy stops unlawful export activities while encouraging treatment operations to take place near the source.	[29,84]
Right to Repair	Laws require electronic product manufacturers to make their devices accessible for repair purposes.	The extension of EEE lifespan combined with WEEE reduction occurs through this initiative.	[102,103,106]
National Solid Waste Policy (Brazil)	The law implements joint responsibility and mandatory reverse logistics protocols for WEEE management.	The Brazilian system gains better tracking capabilities while establishing formalized collection procedures.	[28,47,74,89,96,147]
EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP)	The policy implements material loop closure through specific actions for EEE and WEEE.	The recycling standards become standardized and export restrictions decrease through this policy.	[31,144]
Circular Economy and Ecodesign in Electronics (EU)	The proposals include transparency measures alongside standards and traceability requirements to enhance circularity in EEE.	The initiative drives both circular economic models and sustainable design approaches.	[35,99,101]
WEEE Legislative Framework in the U.S.	The proposed legislation establishes unified WEEE management along with tracking procedures.	The enhanced control measures along with better formal WEEE management result in improved system performance.	[33,38,121]
Chinese Government Intervention in WEEE	The government uses both rewards and penalties to boost formal recycling operations.	The system pushes both formal participation and compliance with regulations.	[37,40,82]
WEEE Recycling Fund	Financial assistance provided to formal recycling facilities through the WEEE Recycling Fund.	The formal recycling sustainability improves and informal activities decrease through this approach.	[65,81]
WEEE Guidelines for Emerging Economies	A sustainable WEEE management approach targets informal recycling by setting guidelines.	The system strengthens governance functions and promotes EPR and integrates all relevant stakeholders.	[85,86,145]
Tax Incentives for Circular Economy	Circular economy models receive tax breaks along with financial support from the government.	The incentive program promotes both electronic device repair and refurbishment operations.	[5,98,100]
Urban Mining in WEEE	Policy recommendations to promote the recovery of critical materials.	Increases circularity and reduces dependence on traditional mining.	[28,29,30,107,108]

, to show their objectives and WEEE management impacts along with their corresponding sources.

3.2. Bibliometric Analysis

Bibliometric analysis is a robust methodological approach for examining the structure, dynamics, and thematic evolution of a scientific field through quantitative indicators. In this study, metadata related to research on WEEE management were primarily retrieved from the Scopus database, which served as the core reference structure due to its comprehensive coverage and well-structured metadata fields. To enrich the dataset, additional metadata were extracted from the ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Springer databases. These records were harmonized to the Scopus format by standardizing fields such as author names, institutional affiliations, keywords, publication years, document types, journal names, and DOIs.

The normalization process involved the removal of duplicate entries through exact DOI matching. In cases where DOIs were absent or inconsistent, a secondary filtering was conducted based on the combination of article titles, authors, and publication years. Furthermore, keyword harmonization was performed by unifying variants and synonyms (e.g., “WEEE” and “e-waste”) to ensure semantic consistency.

The cleaned and normalized dataset was then imported into the Bibliometrix package within the RStudio environment, utilizing its web interface, Biblioshiny, for enhanced visualization and interactive analysis.

The analysis focused on five core bibliometric dimensions: (i) the most globally cited documents, (ii) the most relevant journals, (iii) institutional and authorship analysis by country and affiliation, (iv) keyword co-occurrence analysis, and (v) thematic clustering based on co-word networks.

For the co-word analysis, a minimum keyword frequency threshold of five was applied to exclude infrequent terms and focus on thematically significant nodes. The resulting co-occurrence matrix was normalized using the association strength method, which adjusts for varying term frequencies and emphasizes the strength of co-occurrence relationships. To identify thematic clusters within the network, the Louvain modularity optimization algorithm was applied, which detects communities by maximizing intra-cluster edge density.

Although no inferential statistical tests were applied in this study. However, the exploration of trends was conducted descriptively through the visual analysis of conceptual clusters and the evolution of keywords.

3.2.1. Most Cited Documents Globally

Figure 2 highlights the most influential documents with global citations within the analyzed dataset. This allows for the identification of the most impactful works in the academic literature on WEEE management, E-WASTE, circular economy, Information Management Systems, recycling, and optimization. This bibliometric analysis reflects not only citation frequency but also the degree of contribution these studies have made to conceptual, methodological, and applied advancements in the field of electronic waste and sustainability.

For example, Wang et al. [32] propose a system based on digital twins to optimize recycling and remanufacturing processes within the Industry 4.0 paradigm, ensuring traceability through IoT and standardized data models. Islam et al. [26] present a global review focused on consumer behavior toward e-waste, highlighting the user’s role in recycling, repair, and reuse flows, and proposing a user-centered circular economy framework. Kazancoglu et al. [34] propose a digital collection and classification model tailored for emerging economies, integrating data-driven and sustainability-oriented technologies to optimize reverse logistics. Meanwhile, Shahabuddin et al. [148] and Nithya et al. [61] provide comprehensive reviews on policy development, technical challenges, and metal recovery processes, emphasizing global legislative gaps and opportunities for improvement through bio-hydrometallurgy.

Additionally, several contributions address structural inequalities in WEEE management. Gollakota et al. [80] identify regulatory failures, informality, and the lack of adequate technologies in developing countries. Abalansa et al. [84] denounce the impacts of cross-border electronic waste trade on vulnerable regions, employing frameworks such as DPSIR and life cycle analysis (LCA). Lee et al. [149] systematize the environmental and economic impacts of electronic recycling based on a review of 159 studies, emphasizing the need to integrate LCA into management models. The “Internet+Recycling” model, presented by Gu et al. [33], leverages mobile applications to enhance traceability and efficiency through mass flow analysis. Finally, Xavier et al. [150] propose urban mining as a circular economy strategy, focusing on the recovery of critical materials and the reduction of extractive impacts. Collectively, these studies articulate the core concepts previously discussed, justifying their high citation counts and significant influence within the field.

3.2.2. Most Relevant Journals

The distribution of studies in high-impact journals that address sustainability and technological innovation and electronic waste management is shown in Figure 3. The Journal of Cleaner Production leads the list, with 25 publications, because it emphasizes sustainable production and ecodesign and circular economy strategies, which are fundamental elements of the approaches studied in Table 2. The second most prominent journal is Sustainability (Switzerland) with 14 publications, alongside Environmental Science and Pollution Research, which explores digital solutions and decentralized models including blockchain and mobile apps and gamification. The technical focus of Waste Management and the Journal of Environmental Management includes recycling and reverse logistics and traceability.

The bibliometric analysis supports the findings from Table 3 and Table 4 regarding IMSs and emerging technologies, which use IoT digital twins, big data, and artificial intelligence to enhance classification and monitoring operations. The journals Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy and Environment, Development and Sustainability (five publications each) study regulatory frameworks and extended producer responsibility, which matches the legal frameworks reviewed in Table 5. The collected data show a thematic alignment between sustainability, digitalization, and smart automation, as fundamental drivers of WEEE management system evolution.

3.2.3. Analysis of Institutions by Country and Authors

The network of institutional and authorial collaboration around WEEE management circular economy and digitization is shown in Figure 4. The Chinese institutions Tongji University Central South University and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences have taken a leading role in digital traceability research and material recovery and digital twin applications for electronic recycling [32]. Chen W.Q. and Zhang Y. have investigated blockchain-based life cycle analysis strategies to improve WEEE flow sustainability and traceability [38,124].

The Brazilian research community demonstrates significant contributions through L. H. Xavier, who has developed important work on urban mining and critical material recovery within circular economy frameworks [150]. The researchers Pandey A.K. and Singh S. from India have studied regulatory and extended producer responsibility methods for new market environments. Kazancoglu Y. offers his recommendations for implementing automation and digital platforms in reverse logistics systems [34]. These research collaborations strengthen connections between technological advancement and regulatory frameworks and sustainability initiatives that follow the circular, IMS, and optimization approaches discussed in this review.

3.2.4. Keyword Analysis

The most significant keywords from the scientific literature about WEEE are shown in Figure 5. The term electronic waste is the most frequent, occurring 137 times, while recycling appears 129 times followed by waste management with 84 instances and electronic equipment with 35 occurrences. These concepts show the main themes of the field and demonstrate the importance of this study.

The research literature shows that electronic waste and recycling appear frequently because WEEE stands as a vital emerging topic in worldwide environmental discussions. The repeated use of these terms demonstrates two interconnected elements. The dangerous nature of informal waste management practices, especially in developing countries, has been extensively documented and remains a major concern [28,151]. The materials hold substantial strategic value because they contain important metals and reusable parts. The research literature demonstrates a technological focus on resource recovery and urban mining and valorization process improvement through the frequent use of the term “recycling”, as shown in [28,117]. The repeated occurrence of electronic equipment waste management and waste management terminology (84 instances) demonstrates a systemic focus on product design together with logistics routes and regulatory schemes. The authors of [12,152] support an integral approach according to the research.

The numerous occurrences of sustainable development and decision-making terms (each appearing more than 28 times) demonstrate an increasing focus on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, while researchers study multicriteria and institutional frameworks for decision making. The research conducted in [5,67] recommends that Latin America should implement circular frameworks and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes. The scientific literature shows that China stands out as the leading force in this field. The effective public policies have received extensive academic study [6,128]. The research indicates that integrated approaches for traceability, regulation, and technological innovation should be developed to create sustainable models that match the Ecuadorian context and those of other emerging countries.

3.2.5. Co-Occurrence Map

The bibliometric analysis of articles in the systematic review produced the co-occurrence map of keywords which appears in Figure 6. The graph demonstrates a thematic structure that positions electronic waste and e-waste and recycling and circular economy as key academic knowledge nodes for WEEE.

The semantic network is grouped into five clearly differentiated thematic clusters:

• Dark blue: Technologies and technical processes for the recycling and treatment of WEEE (including treatment, sustainability, disposal, and management). These concepts are explored in research focusing on optimized reverse logistics and technologies applied to WEEE processing. For instance, refs. [28,152] study efficient recycling mechanisms and urban mining for the recovery of critical metals, while others [107] trace the provenance of materials in automated processes. Addressing these aspects is crucial because it enables the improvement of treatment system efficiency and the recovery of valuable materials, thereby reducing environmental impact.
• Purple: Public policies and regulatory frameworks and circular economy definitions that use the terms circular economy policy and sustainable development. The cluster contains research about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and environmental legislation and national strategies. The studies in [19,67] analyze EPR framework regulatory implementation, while ref. [5] demonstrates circular models suitable for Latin American regions. The regulatory support group holds essential value because sustainable practices need institutionalization and scale-up to achieve structural change.
• Green: Reverse logistics, supply chain, and institutional (supply chain, reverse logistics, and public participation). The concepts are examined in the context of collaborative strategies for integrated WEEE management. Ref. [12] models effective reverse logistics networks, while ref. [17] discusses the integration of public and private actors through digital platforms to increase formal recovery. This is imperative to ensure that collected waste enters appropriate treatment streams and that the materials cycle is closed.
• Red: Emerging technologies applied to WEEE traceability and monitoring (IoT, blockchain, machine learning). These technologies make it possible to move towards a digitalization of the circular economy. Refs. [18,117] present IoT- and blockchain-based frameworks to increase traceability and efficiency in sorting, monitoring, and retrieval of electronic devices. Their relevance is growing, as they allow improved transparency, detecting illegal flows and automating critical processes for sustainability.
• Brown: Regulatory and environmental aspects (legislation, hazardous waste, environmental impact). This group is associated with studies on the impact of WEEE on the environment and the need for strict regulations for its management. For example, in [151] it is shown that there is no legislation in Africa and the environmental consequences of this are discussed, while refs. [64,153] discuss the positive effects of regulations such as the EU WEEE Directive. It is important to go deeper into this group to protect public health, prevent pollution, and promote adequate environmental control systems.

The co-occurrence map shows that WEEE research has developed into a complex system which combines technical aspects with regulatory elements and technological aspects and social dimensions. The repeated occurrence of electronic waste and recycling in the map confirms that waste recovery remains the central focus. The governance and digitalization terms indicate a shift toward sustainable approaches that encompass broader perspectives.

3.3. Proposal of the Model

The IMS-WEEE model (Information Management System) proposes a solution to address the essential requirement of implementing digital technologies that enable traceability and control of waste streams. The model addresses the requirement to develop circular economy approaches that match the Ecuadorian situation. The system requires adaptive solutions to enhance sustainability because WEEE management operates with high informality and institutional fragmentation exists. The proposed model consists of five phases, starting with system technical and structural parameterization and ending with an information availability interface. The development of each phase relies on a comprehensive evaluation of the existing literature and a bibliometric analysis to establish the conceptual operational and technological bases for system architecture. The following section details the complete development process of each phase, as visually summarized in Figure 7.

3.3.1. Phase 1: Parameterization of the IMS for WEEE

The initial phase of the IMS-WEEE model focuses on building a strong standardized technological framework that enables national-level information flow management for electronic waste traceability and management. This phase is the system’s structural foundation because it will support the development of data collection and processing and valuation and visualization functionalities.

• Server or back-end configuration: The IMS’s operational foundation depends on this component because it provides storage capabilities and processing functions and protection mechanisms for WEEE management information. The reviewed literature shows that distributed architecture systems with dedicated servers play a crucial role in handling the continuous data flow produced by electronic waste collection classification and disposal processes [16]. Centralized cloud databases enable multiple users to access the system at the same time for analyzing extensive data volumes, which promotes system interoperability [17]. Research indicates that server configuration needs to provide security features alongside scalability and redundancy to prevent failures while maintaining data integrity [18].
• Database modeling (DB): A structured database enables us to arrange information produced during each phase of WEEEs’ life cycle. The modeling process should adhere to standardized principles that ensure referential integrity and efficient complex query execution. The systematic review shows that systems which implement this type of modeling achieve high levels of traceability, which enables detailed monitoring, from generation to final disposal of the waste [19]. The combination of blockchain technology with ERP systems proves effective for accurate and transparent event recording and digital validation of process operations [6].
• Attribute generation for the DB: The generation of attributes serves as a fundamental requirement to digitally represent all relevant WEEE variables, including device type, weight, origin, recoverable materials, state of conservation, and others. The research studies in this review demonstrate that proper attribute definition enhances both classification and recycling operations [17]. The parameterization system of Ecuador enables the system to adapt to waste generation specifics across different territorial areas while addressing the informal waste management practices in certain regions [13].
• Script generation for the DB: The database receives its structure implementation through automated scripts that also handle initial data loading and perform essential database operations, including updates, audits, and validation. These tools work together to automate repetitive tasks while maintaining consistent data entry operations. The existing research shows that SQL scripts combined with APIs for automatic data collection from IoT sensors and mobile platforms enable system scalability without affecting stability or accuracy [18]. The system demonstrates its ability to minimize human mistakes, which leads to better real-time decision making [6].

The first phase plays a crucial role in building a solid technological framework that solves the problems found in current WEEE management systems. The IMS-WEEE system requires this phase to establish its operational base for efficient and traceable interoperable operation.

3.3.2. Phase 2: Generation of Electronic Waste

The first operational stage of the IMS-WEEE model enables the collection and organization of electronic waste generator data. The system requires proper implementation to effectively handle local WEEE generation patterns, especially in informal and dispersed areas like Ecuador.

• The parameterization of “sources”: The identification process of WEEE generator characteristics includes determining the entity type (household, business, or institution), estimated volume, generation frequency, and georeferenced location. The traceability of WEEE requires proper source parameterization to achieve efficient collection campaigns and route design [13,18]. The categorization system enables the inclusion of informal actors while promoting data-based planning.
• MVC of “sources”: The IMS system implements a model–view–controller (MVC) architecture to handle its front module. The modular system structure allows the system to keep data separate from business logic and graphical interface elements, which supports both scalability and software maintenance. The MVC architectural paradigm has been advocated in management systems grounded in digital platforms for its aptitude to compartmentalize responsibilities and optimize the efficiency of information update processes [17,19].
• Sources: Local businesses and institutions. The system considers multiple types of generators, including technology businesses, repair shops, universities, schools, public/private institutions, and households. The literature highlights that local businesses and educational institutions are key generation points, especially in dense urban areas, while in rural areas more detailed identification is required due to the low visibility of these sources [6,17].
• Source filtering: The sources go through automatic and manual filtering processes after registration to verify the data accuracy. The filtering process includes multiple detailed steps, starting with geographic verification followed by duplicate detection and system operator validation. The filtering process enhances generator inventory quality and enables mobile platform field verification according to recent studies [16].
• Classification of WEEE sources: The European Parliament typology serves as the basis for source classification; it divides sources into distinct categories, including large household appliances, IT, telecommunications equipment, medical devices, and others. The classification system enables the development of specific collection, storage, and recovery plans. The classification system has proven its validity as a reference standard for national management systems in both the Latin American and Asian regions [67,107].

The IMS-WEEE establishes its base for effective traceable territory-adapted management, enabling waste generation tracking through subsequent treatment and recovery and final disposal phases.

Figure 7. WEEE Management model.

Figure 7. WEEE Management model.

3.3.3. Phase 3: Treatment of Electronic Waste: Collection, Transportation, and Sorting

The physical collection of electronic waste begins after waste sources have been identified. The system design addresses the requirement for establishing formal routes that are dynamic and territorially adapted, as shown in the scientific literature consulted.

• Collection and storage inventory: The IMS system includes an inventory module, which tracks the quantities and dates of WEEE collection along with geographic locations and types of collected waste. The recorded data links to cloud databases and ERP platforms that maintain real-time synchronization of e-waste flows [17,19].
• Data modeling for WEEE inventory: A relational data structure is established to segment waste according to origin, type, weight, functional unit, and operational status. This categorization facilitates the prioritization of actions and the facilitation of interoperability with recycling, repair, and final disposal systems [6].
• Collection and storage: The program requires two fundamental elements: campaign implementation and collection point establishment. The system model includes mobile collection campaigns and fixed collection points that are linked to the system through geolocation. The evidence shows that distributed collection networks improve formal WEEE return rates [13,146].
• Collection and storage availability: The availability of WEEE needs to be reported. The system produces automatic reports that enable users to see the amount and type of WEEE stored in each region. The system enables better logistics planning, recovery, and recycling center coordination through this capability [66].
• Determination of transport routes and geolocation modeling: The combination of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Internet of Things (IoT) tools enables the optimization of collection routes through distance optimization and efficiency maximization and logistics cost reductions. The proposed routes are dynamically modeled based on projected volumes and current availability according to recent proposals that utilize artificial intelligence and predictive analytics [18,144].
• Adapted vehicles and GPS tracking: The model includes transport units that are equipped for WEEE, with real-time tracking enabled by GPS and integrated sensors. The ability to track waste geographically has been identified as a key factor in the control of waste flow and the prevention of diversion to informal circuits [16,69].
• Classification parameterization and MVC for classification: The classification module follows MVC logic to integrate database, business logic, and waste flow visualization. The model is parameterized to differentiate WEEE types according to European regulations (European Parliament), which constitute a technical basis widely replicated in circular management contexts [64].
• Classification according to European Parliament and filtering by typology: Waste is classified into a minimum of six categories: large household appliances, small appliances, computing and telecommunication devices, consumer electronics, medical devices, and power tools. This segmentation is imperative for adapting processing and recycling methods according to the technical complexity of each type of WEEE [16,146].

This phase is directly connected to the previous one through the use of data from registered sources, and it establishes a bridge to the subsequent phases of recovery and final disposal. In this way, the entire WEEE flow is traced and geo-referenced in the IMS-WEEE system.

3.3.4. Phase 4: Management of Electronic Waste

The fourth phase of WEEE management involves extracting the maximum value from WEEE before its final disposal after sorting and transportation in phase 3. This phase combines repair with remanufacturing, reuse, and recycling practices, which follow the technological sustainability and socio-economic inclusion principles found in the recent literature.

• Inventory of “maintenance and repair”: The inventory system enables the recording of equipment that needs repair along with their operational parts and technical status reports. The improved tracking system helps decrease early waste disposal, which aligns with “Right to Repair” movements and circular economy principles that are gaining traction in Latin America [17].
• Data modeling of equipment and parts: A structured database is proposed, incorporating technical attributes, functional status, manufacturer, and part compatibility. This configuration is designed to streamline reconditioning and remanufacturing processes, which are pivotal components of effective circular models [6].
• Maintenance and repair: Supplier warranty, repair, procurement of serviceable materials. Equipment under active warranty or recently acquired receives priority for repair. The equipment follows digital urban mining practices to value useful components (screens, batteries, cards) that can be reused or resold [13].
• Remanufacturing and recycling: The remanufacturing process applies to large household appliances and IT equipment when products become unrepairable. The recycling process for non-reusable WEEE follows international standards to extract metals including copper, gold, and platinum through clean technologies and automated processes [19,67].
• Maintenance and repair availability: The IMS system provides real-time reports about equipment and part availability for maintenance through geographic filters and equipment type categories, which helps repair centers with their logistical and economic planning [23].
• Inventory and data modeling for reuse: A tracking system called inventory monitors products that are prepared for their second use. The system tracks product functionality and refurbishment dates and destination information (sale or donation) through structured data that enables decision making and connects to social programs or collaborative economy platforms [107].
• Reuse → sale and donation: The commercialization of refurbished devices is promoted through digital channels, as well as the donation of functional devices to vulnerable sectors (schools, rural communities). These practices not only extend the useful life of products, but also democratize access to technology [88].
• Availability reports for reuse: The IMS platform enables users to view inventory data through location and product category visualization, which supports institutional and municipal circular economy programs [48,114].
• Final disposal parameterization and MVC for suppliers: The system includes automatic forms and validations to help WEEE assignment to formal final disposal managers through an MVC system that separates the logic from the database and the visual interface. In this sense, web and mobile systems can be built with an MVC architecture, facilitating the final disposition of information to suppliers [120,121].
• Final disposal → external service providers: The WEEE that cannot be recovered is transferred to certified operators, in compliance with the Basel Convention and local standards. This traceability prevents diversion to informal markets or polluting practices [37].
• Transfer for final disposal: The supplier selection and disposal type choice occurs through the IMS platform, which uses proximity criteria together with technical capacity and regulatory compliance standards. The automated procedure completes the WEEE flow cycle according to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) logic [66].

The system’s technical sustainability and social justice and institutional resilience in e-waste management are supported by this phase, which functions as a continuation of the previous one for decision making based on classified inventories.

3.3.5. Phase 5: Availability of Information

The system integrates all functionalities in its final phase to enable real-time access and monitoring and management of data produced during previous phases. The user interface serves as the main connection point for stakeholders, who range from waste generators to waste managers, to maintain traceability and transparency and ensure IMS operational continuity.

• Graphical user interface (GUI) design: The interface follows usability and accessibility principles through dashboards which display KPIs and updated inventories and system alerts. The design follows user profiles based on institutional criteria to enable function-based interaction with permission-based access.
• GUI validation testing: The interface undergoes iterative validation tests to verify its functionality and stability. The tests verify navigation functionality as well as data loading and interactive map display and response-time performance. The technical validation process plays a crucial role in delivering a robust user experience according to recent studies on WEEE management platforms [16].
• Web platform implementation. The IMS operates through a web-based platform which uses a client–server architecture to enable remote access and supports integration of new technologies and dynamic updates [33,99].
  The platform demonstrates systematic evidence that web-based systems enhance decision making while decreasing operational costs and improving strategic planning [17].

The IMS-WEEE model achieves functional completion through this phase by implementing a digital platform that enables real-time inventory access and mapping and reporting functions for traceability and decision support. The graphical interface follows user profiles and technical validation to ensure operational transparency and efficiency. The system processes connect through this stage while maintaining sustainability and scalability for smart circular economy operations.

4. Discussion

This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the circular economy and electronic waste by presenting a structured, traceability-oriented Information Management System (IMS) model adapted to the Ecuadorian context. Built upon a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, the model consolidates fragmented knowledge into a five-phase framework that addresses both technical and institutional dimensions of WEEE management.

Unlike previous studies that examine WEEE traceability as an isolated component within reverse logistics or post-consumer disposal [13,146], this model integrates traceability from the early stages of characterization to the recovery phase. It combines Industry 4.0 tools such as IoT, blockchain, and geographic information systems with principles of circularity, offering a comprehensive perspective, not limited to a single intervention point. In contrast to frameworks like [18], which emphasize IoT-based tracking in urban settings without institutional backing, or [19], which focus exclusively on blockchain applications without considering recycling logistics, this model seeks to operationalize traceability across the entire WEEE life cycle with institutional integration.

The IMS-WEEE model is particularly relevant for emerging economies, where weak regulatory frameworks and informal sector dominance hinder effective waste governance. In Latin America, systemic barriers have historically undermined the enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and waste stream control (e.g., [17,67]). By incorporating digital monitoring tools and data interoperability mechanisms, the model aligns with recommendations by [6,66] for improving accountability in contexts with limited environmental governance capacity.

One of the core contributions of this study lies in addressing the fragmentation of information systems in the region. The model responds to the lack of reliable data on WEEE flows by promoting integrated digital platforms and standardized data collection protocols. This aligns with prior calls for systemic digitalization in waste management [17,66], but advances the conversation by proposing a sequenced operational structure. For instance, while [34] highlights the potential of Industry 4.0 tools to mitigate informality, their study does not articulate a phase-based strategy. Similarly, the opacity in the EEE life cycle identified by [69,70] is addressed in this model through the inclusion of environmental and technological performance indicators during the evaluation phase.

Beyond its conceptual contributions, the model offers practical implications for public policy and infrastructure planning. It serves as a blueprint for designing information systems that strengthen WEEE management, particularly in countries with nascent or underdeveloped regulatory regimes. By guiding investment in digital tools for collection, sorting, and recovery, the model supports evidence-based decision making. Empirical studies (e.g., [16,37]) have shown that the absence of tracking technologies negatively impacts system efficiency, which reinforces the urgency of the digital transformations proposed here. Furthermore, by enabling automated waste flow monitoring, the model enhances regulatory enforcement in settings where informal operations dominate and institutional oversight is weak [145].

From an academic standpoint, this work contributes to the development of IMSs for circular economy applications by bridging technological, logistical, and governance dimensions. While the SUSTWEEE framework [154] explores sustainability from environmental and economic angles, the IMS-WEEE model extends the analysis by incorporating institutional traceability and digital governance, providing a more holistic approach for contexts characterized by structural limitations.

In sum, the model not only addresses key operational gaps in Ecuador’s current WEEE management system but also offers a replicable framework for other developing economies facing similar challenges. Its structure facilitates both strategic planning and institutional accountability, making it a valuable tool for advancing inclusive and traceable circular economy transitions.

Limitations and Future Research

Despite the analytical scope and methodological coherence of this study, certain limitations were inherent to its design and are acknowledged as part of a broader research process that will continue in future stages.

Given its conceptual nature, the IMS-WEEE model has not yet been validated under real-world conditions. Its technical feasibility, institutional integration, and operational performance remain theoretical. These aspects are planned to be addressed in future phases of this research through targeted pilot implementations in the Ecuadorian context.

The literature review relied primarily on peer-reviewed and indexed academic sources to ensure methodological rigor. However, this decision excluded local gray literature—such as government reports, regulatory documents, and academic theses—that may contain context-specific knowledge relevant to national WEEE management practices. This gap will be progressively addressed in subsequent stages of the project through expanded literature integration and local knowledge mapping.

Although the focus of the study is on WEEE management in Ecuador, many of the conceptual foundations draw on international experiences, particularly from the Global South. While these provide useful strategic references, future versions of the model will incorporate refinements to reflect Ecuador’s specific regulatory frameworks, institutional dynamics, and socio-economic conditions more precisely.

Furthermore, the current phase of the research did not involve fieldwork or direct engagement with national stakeholders such as informal recyclers, local authorities, or environmental regulators. To overcome this, future project stages will include participatory validation processes that ensure the model’s relevance, legitimacy, and practical applicability.

These future efforts will involve the development of functional prototypes, pilot testing in collaboration with universities, municipalities, and recycling networks, and the definition of evaluation metrics. Key indicators will include traceability coverage across the EEE life cycle, critical material recovery rates, reduction of informal practices, interoperability of digital systems, regulatory compliance, and economic sustainability.

By integrating national data sources and engaging local actors in future research phases, the proposed model will be progressively refined and aligned with Ecuador’s circular economy objectives.

5. Conclusions

The management of WEEE represents a growing challenge for countries like Ecuador, where low formal collection rates, limited technological infrastructure, and institutional fragmentation hinder sustainable waste handling. This study demonstrates that the integration of circular economy principles, supported by Information Management Systems (IMSs) and clear regulatory frameworks, provides a promising pathway to address these limitations.

The systematic literature review, combined with bibliometric analysis, allowed for the identification of effective circular strategies, enabling technologies, and prevailing governance models at the global level. These findings served as the foundation for the design of the IMS-WEEE model, an adaptable proposal that responds to the specific technical, social, and institutional characteristics of Ecuador.

The IMS-WEEE model offers a feasible and scalable approach to improving WEEE traceability, optimizing collection and treatment processes, and enhancing decision making through real-time data availability. By incorporating geolocation technologies, digital platforms, and automated tracking mechanisms, the model strengthens transparency and promotes more efficient resource use. Its phased structure allows for progressive implementation, taking into account local capabilities and limitations, which increases its applicability in contexts with restricted resources.

It is important to highlight that this model does not represent a definitive or universal solution but rather a technically grounded proposal that requires pilot testing, continuous adaptation, and institutional support to achieve its full potential. Moreover, effective implementation depends on the integration of national policies, incentives for formal collection, active participation of citizens, and the inclusion of informal actors within regulated frameworks.

Overall, this research contributes to the ongoing efforts to transition towards a more inclusive and sustainable circular economy in Ecuador. The proposed model represents a practical step forward by demonstrating how technology, regulatory alignment, and coordinated stakeholder engagement can be leveraged to improve WEEE management, reduce environmental impacts, and foster resource efficiency in the country.