Core Insights - The article highlights the significant transformation of China's waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling industry over the past 15 years, evolving from a few formal dismantling companies to a robust system with 95 compliant enterprises and over 900 million units dismantled [1][8] - The shift from passive response to proactive management in electronic waste governance is emphasized, showcasing China's model as a potential solution for global electronic waste issues [1][8] Policy Evolution - The foundation of the WEEE recycling industry was established in 2009 with the introduction of regulations that included producer responsibility extension (EPR) [2] - By 2015, the recycling rate for key appliances improved from 32.75% in 2010 to 60.29%, demonstrating the effectiveness of early policies [2] - The introduction of the revised Solid Waste Pollution Prevention Law in 2020 and subsequent financial adjustments in 2021 led to a more competitive market, increasing the share of top companies in processing capacity [2] Industry Development - The theoretical waste volume of electrical appliances in China increased from 166 million units to 289 million units, a 74% rise over 15 years [4] - The recycling model evolved from small workshops to integrated platforms, with significant contributions from companies like Haier and JD.com [4] - Despite advancements, the structural issues in processing remain, with a decline in compliant dismantling volume and utilization rates [4] Technological Innovation - The dual focus on high-value recovery and carbon reduction is crucial for industry advancement, with companies developing efficient recycling technologies [5] - The recycling industry extracted significant amounts of metals from waste appliances, showcasing the potential of a circular economy [5] Challenges and Future Directions - The new funding policies have triggered industry restructuring, with challenges such as historical subsidy payments and budget reductions impacting operational costs [6] - The article suggests that enhancing producer responsibility, consumer incentives, and technological innovation are essential for overcoming current challenges [7] - Future pathways include leveraging policy adjustments and technological advancements to enhance recycling rates and reduce carbon emissions [7][8]