Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment: Pending Matter in Government Regulations in Mexico

The increasing need for electrical and electronic devices, particularly solar panels, has resulted in a significant increase in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), which presents inherent hazards to both human well-being and the environment if not properly handled. Efficient laws and governmental bodies play a crucial role in tackling and reducing difficulties related to WEEE. WEEE generation rates are increasing globally although the regulations and management of this waste are not keeping pace with these increases in many countries. WEEE-related legislation coverage prevents negative impacts on human health, the environment, and ecosystems. Therefore, this study explains the deficiencies in Mexican legislation on WEEE and lays the groundwork for future initiatives to establish or improve regulation in this area. To this end, the study examines the existence and content of legislation on WEEE issues and identifies the measures enacted in the 32 states of Mexico. In addition, the study compares the existence of WEEE regulations against the production and distribution examples of certain EEE by state. In Mexico, current laws classify WEEE as waste requiring certain management procedures without specifically designating them as hazardous, despite their characteristics. Furthermore, states with a high presence of EEE lack regulations on the subject.