Sustainable WEEE management in academic institutions: The case of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest growing waste streams globally, with an estimated annual growth rate of 3–5 wt%. Their recycling is crucial for both managing hazardous substances and recovering valuable materials. This paper focuses on the management of WEEE at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and proposes an environmentally sustainable and economically viable way for its proper management. The work employed bibliometric analysis, SWOT analysis, and an assessment of the currently applied WEEE management practices. A new institutional Management Plan is thus proposed, properly integrating personal equipment, financial contracts with recyclers, and a Resale-Oriented Website for the reusable equipment. The proposed scheme is economically viable, with an attractive Internal Rate of Return of 10.3% over an eight-year payback period. The work emphasizes that greater awareness, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable reuse are particularly important for achieving optimal environmental and economic benefits. Graphical Abstract