The “Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP) Initiative” was established to start up and foster partnerships between companies, governmental and non-governmental organizations and academic institutions on meeting the challenges that result from the production, usage and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. As a public-private partnership initiative founded by various UN organizations, StEP is uniquely positioned to contribute to the formulation of basic principles, policies and strategies, and the development of technologies and projects for action.

The idea to develop StEP was first discussed by a handful of scientists and experts in 2004, and since its formal launch in March 2007, the Initiative has grown and matured into a decentralized network that now comprises 50 members from around the world. Stakeholders have recognized the need to collaborate internationally in the current global context where social, political and economic challenges – whether occurring at home or in other regions – impact as never before. All StEP members are committed to join forces in project work and align their strategies toward five core principles in order to establish solutions to the E-waste Problem that are evidence-based, holistic and practical. StEP continues to evolve.

This annual report is neither exhaustive nor indicative of the overall breadth or depth of StEP’s work and projects. Rather, it presents highlights of the initiative’s work and achievements. Five priority areas are identified, reflected in StEP’s five Task Forces: Policy, ReDesign, ReUse, ReCycle and Capacity Building. This report also describes the networking activities (strategic partnerships and linkages) through which StEP complements and leverages its work, and discloses the human and financial resources that support StEP.

To read the report, please click here.

Additional information about StEP, including detailed information about projects, can be found on StEP’s website (http://www.step-initiative.org) and in the publicly accessible parts of StEP’s file depository (http://files.stepinitiative.org).

For additional information, please contact Ruediger Kuehr, Executive Secretary, StEP Initiative.