Framework

Economic conditions and their development influence the recycling system directly. The purchasing power of the consumers and the life spans of electronic and electric products determine the quantity of electronic and electric waste in the system. The available infrastructure, capital costs, labor market and any governmental subsidies affect the cost structure of businesses. The mentalities and behaviour of the actors involved may also be altered by poverty or corruption.

Political structures form government strategies in the fields of labor, public health and the environment. These strategies influence legislation and the practice of law enforcement, hence the structure and behaviour of the evolving recycling systems.

Research and development is important for the application of new technologies. Access to technologies and know-how determines the processes used in a recycling system.

Cultural aspects such as environmental awareness and education are another important part of the framework for recycling systems. Environmental awareness is able to influence disposal structures. Flat income distributions (Gini Index) describe a socially unbalanced society, in which informal business structures are most likely to arise.