Strategic Analysis of Computer Waste Management Options: Game-Theoretic Approach

AbstractComputer waste has emerged as a critical issue globally because of the growing quantity of waste and problems arising out of its toxic nature. In India, it is estimated that 480,000 t of electronic waste (e-waste) is generated annually. Computer waste includes plastics and metals that have a good potential for recycling; however, if not managed properly, the additives and chemicals in plastic waste and traces of heavy metals raise concern for human health and the environment. Efficient e-waste management will require a strategy that offers a win-win situation for all the involved stakeholders. This paper uses a game-theoretic approach for analyzing the strategies by identifying the equilibrium points for various scenarios that can help in deciding the incentives and penalties for deriving the self-propelling market-based mechanism for efficient management of e-waste. Results suggest that applying take-back schemes with some incentives to the consumers and penalty to those who do not follow the pre...