Characterizing the environmental implications of the recycling of non-metallic fractions from waste printed circuit boards. (20th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duan, Huabo; Hu, Jiukun; Yuan, Wenyi; Wang, Yanjie; Yu, Danfeng; Song, Qingbin; Li, Jinhui
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 137(2016)
• Page Start: 546
• Page End: 554
• Publication Date: 2016-11-20
• Subjects: E-waste -- Non-metallic fractions -- Quantity -- Heavy metals -- POPs; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.131
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Non-metallic fractions (NMFs), which make up almost three fourths (by weight) of waste printed circuit boards, have become a matter of great concern for e-waste recyclers, because most of them contain hazardous substances with low utilization value. This study used an advanced Sales Obsolescence Model approach to quantify the generation and flows of non-metallic fractions in China, and to examine the potential environmental impacts associated with both the fractions themselves, and their end-of-life processing activities: disposal into landfills or incineration, and recycling via physical or chemical methods. The results show that approximately 201, 000 tons (one time standard deviation: 67, 000) of scrap non-metallic fractions were expected to be generated in 2015, and that this amount could increase to 279, 000 tons by 2020. Both our own analysis and a systematic review of existing studies on the hazardous characterization of printed circuit boards waste, non-metallic fractions, and their recycling and disposal activities, indicate the threat of environmental pollution, from heavy metals, brominated flame retardants and secondary persistent organic pollutants, particularly dioxins.