Assessing China's potential for reducing primary copper demand and associated environmental impacts in the context of energy transition and "Zero waste" policies. (1st May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dong, Di; Tukker, Arnold; Steubing, Bernhard; van Oers, Lauran; Rechberger, Helmut; Alonso Aguilar-Hernandez, Glenn; Li, Huajiao; Van der Voet, Ester
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 144(2022)
• Page Start: 454
• Page End: 467
• Publication Date: 2022-05-01
• Subjects: Material flow analysis (MFA) -- Prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) -- Circular economy -- Reuse -- Informal recycling -- GHG emissions; CP scenario Chinese Policy scenario -- CR Collection rate -- C&DW Construction & Demolition Waste -- CED Cumulative energy demand -- EoL End-of-life -- ELV End-of-life Vehicles -- FPR Formal processing rate -- REoF Fraction of collected ELV copper reused -- FSoIC Fraction of formal sorting and dismantling from informal collection -- REoF Fraction of reuse from formally collected copper -- REoIF Fraction of reuse from informally collected copper -- FoFC Fractions of formal collection -- FoIFC Fractions of informal collection -- GHG Greenhouse gas -- ICW Imported copper waste -- IEW Industrial Equipment Waste -- IFPR Informal processing rate -- LCA Life cycle assessment -- MFA Material flow analysis -- MSW Municipal Solid Waste -- IPR Processing rate of incineration & treatment of ash -- SRR Smelting and refining rate -- TC scenario Technical & Circular scenario -- WMS Waste management system -- WEEE Waste of Electrical & Electronic Equipment; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.04.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: MFA and LCA methods are combined to analyze Cu cycle and environmental impacts. Six types of waste streams are investigated in relation to "Zero waste" strategies. Reuse Cu from formal and informal collection is explored in Cu waste management. Maximizing "Zero waste" options lead to 65% reduction of primary copper demand. Maximizing "Zero waste" options lead to 55% reduction of total GHG emissions. Abstract: To conserve resources and enhance the environmental performance, China has launched the "Zero waste" concept, focused on reutilization of solid waste and recovery of materials, including copper. Although several studies have assessed the copper demand and recycling, there is a lack of understanding on how different waste management options would potentially reduce primary copper demand and associated environmental impacts in China in the context of energy transition. This study addresses this gap in view of a transition to low-carbon energy system and the optimization of copper waste management combining MFA and LCA approaches. Six types of waste streams (C&DW, ELV, WEEE, IEW, MSW, ICW) are investigated in relation to various "Zero waste" strategies including reduction, reuse (repair, remanufacturing or refurbishment), recycling and transition from informal to formal waste management. Under present Chinese policies, reuse and recycling of copper containing products will lead to a somewhat lower dependency on primary copper in 2100 (11187Gg), as well as lower total GHG emissions (64869 Gg CO2-eq.) and cumulative energy demand (1.18x10^12 MJ). Maximizing such "Zero waste" options may lead to a further reduction, resulting in 65% potential reduction of primary copper demand, around 55% potential reduction of total GHG emissions and total cumulative energy demand in 2100. Several policy actions are proposed to provide insights into future waste management in China as well as some of the challenges involved.