WEEE legislation in the European Union: analysis of the Portuguese case

Purpose This study aims to examine the evolution of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) legislation in the European Union and assesses its practical effectiveness in Portugal. It seeks to understand whether a harmonized regulatory framework leads to consistent outcomes across Member States, and to what extent differences in performance can be associated with varying levels of innovation within WEEE management systems. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory case study approach is adopted, combining qualitative analysis of the legislative framework with a quantitative assessment of official statistical data. Portugal is analyzed in depth, while comparisons with other Member States are used to contextualize performance differences and identify key structural and innovation-related factors influencing implementation. Findings The findings show that, although Portugal has formally aligned its legal framework with EU directives and regulations, collection and recycling targets have not been consistently achieved. While traditional explanations such as limited enforcement capacity and consumer behavior remain relevant, the results point to a broader shortfall in innovation across the system. In particular, limited use of digital monitoring and traceability tools, weak coordination among institutional actors and a lack of effective incentive mechanisms help explain the observed performance gap. This suggests that regulatory alignment alone is not sufficient, and that policy effectiveness depends to a large extent on the capacity to integrate innovation into both design and implementation. Research limitations/implications The analysis relies on official data, which may not fully capture recent developments or informal waste flows. Future research could build on this work by incorporating longitudinal data and alternative methodologies to better account for innovation dynamics and hidden streams. Practical implications The study highlights the importance of strengthening innovation within WEEE systems, particularly through improved monitoring technologies, better institutional coordination, and more effective engagement with consumers. Social implications Advancing innovation in WEEE management can contribute to reducing environmental risks, improving resource efficiency and promoting more responsible consumption practices. Originality/value This paper contributes by linking the effectiveness of environmental regulation to the role of innovation, showing that differences in national outcomes under a common EU framework can be partly explained by uneven adoption of technological, institutional and behavioral innovation. The Portuguese case provides a useful illustration of how these dynamics shape policy performance in practice.