E-Waste Management: Standardisation & Conformity Assessment
Explore the role of standards and audits in responsible e-waste management and environmental protection.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
3 hoursLanguages
English, Italiano, Español, Français, PortuguêsEnglish, Italiano, Español100% online
How it worksDigital upgrade
Free
E-Waste Management: Standardisation & Conformity Assessment
This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.
Discover the role of standards in shaping a more sustainable digital future
Behind every discarded phone or broken device lies a story of lost materials, unmanaged waste, and missed opportunities for recovery. As global e-waste continues to rise, responsible management has never been more urgent.
On this course, you’ll explore how standardisation and conformity assessment offer powerful tools to create safe, ethical, and environmentally sound e-waste systems
From international frameworks to practical audit techniques, you’ll gain insights into how technical norms translate into real-world impact.
Understand how standards guide responsible e-waste management
First, dive into the basics of environmental standards. You’ll get to the root of what defines a ‘good’ recycling process and who’s behind enforcing these systems.
You’ll also learn how international guidelines, like ISO and CENELEC, support safer waste handling, fair labour practices, and environmental protection. Developing new skills to evaluate and implement effective e-waste strategies.
Learn how to assess compliance through environmental auditing
On this course, you’ll be introduced to key auditing tools and techniques. For example, you’ll learn how to an audit plan and know what kinds of questions to ask during a site visit.
With applicable examples tailored to WEEE recyclers, you’ll see how assessments protect both people and the planet and how to incorporate legal and ethical standards into your own operations.
Understand the value of ethical auditing
Finally, you’ll explore the professional code of conduct you’ll need to follow as an auditor. This means leaning into principles of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and accountability.
You’ll walk away with crucial skills for earning trust and driving long-term sustainability in the e-waste sector.
Syllabus
Week 1
Standardization & conformity assessment in e-waste management
Welcome to the course
In this section, we will cover the course structure, team, and navigation. You'll explore key articles, introduce yourself to fellow learners, and learn how to engage with the content effectively.
Standardization
In this section, we explore the role of standardization in effective e-waste management.
Norms and standards
In this section, we look at the role of norms and standards in International Waste Management.
Conformity assessment
In this section, we look at conformity assessment and why it is important when handling e-waste.
Audit protocols
In this section, we look at conformity assessment and how they work with audit protocols.
Conformity assessment procedures
In this section, we look at conformity assessment procedures and the phases of an assessment.
End of week
In this section, we finish off the week by recapping the importance of standards, as well as a quick test to check your understanding.
Week 2
Tools, techniques & code of conduct
Welcome to week 2
In this section, we introduce week 2, which covers the tools, techniques and code of conduct for WEEE.
Environmental audits
In this section, we look at environmental audits and their importance in the management of e-waste.
Auditing techniques
In this section, we discuss the techniques for auditing WEE recycling companies.
Effective questioning and interrogation techniques
In this section, we look at interrogation techniques and effective questioning.
Code of conduct
In this section, we discuss the importance of having a code of conduct for WEEE, as well as look at conformity assessment around the globe.
Environmental audits and the benefits to the environment
In this section, we examine how environmental audits benefit the environment.
Who is this accredited by?
The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe the structure and purpose of key international and national standards and norms.
- Explain the importance of standardization and conformity assessment in e-waste management.
- Identify tools and instruments used in environmental auditing.
- Demonstrate an understanding of audit techniques for assessing conformity with relevant standards and regulations.
- Discuss specific techniques for auditing WEEE recycling companies.
Who is the course for?
This course is open to all and designed for graduate students, policy-makers, e-waste operators, business leaders, and professionals in sustainability, technology, or healthcare interested in environmental auditing and responsible e-waste management.
Who will you learn with?
Who developed the course?
EIT RawMaterials
Initiated and funded by the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), a body of the European Union, EIT RawMaterials is the largest European raw materials partnership.
Basel Convention Secretariat
The Basel Convention Secretariat is joint with the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariats and it is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP/BRS Secretariat). The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is a global Multilateral Environmental Agreement aiming to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects which may result from the generation and management of hazardous and other wastes.
World Resources Forum
The World Resources Forum (WRF) is an international non-profit organisation that addresses the economic, political, social and environmental impacts of global resource use.
Endorsers and supporters
supported by
supported by
What's included?
EIT RawMaterials are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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