SUbstance flow analysis of the recycling of small waste electrical ...

110 Substance flow analysis of the recycling of small WEEE
Category
Send less WEEE
into uncontrolled
channels
Strategy
Develop and enforce the regulations, e.g. the guidelines to
distinguish second-hand EEE and WEEE
Develop unified codes to facilitate the tracking of the flows of
WEEE
If possible, develop cooperation projects with the informal sector
7.1.1. Collect more
As shown by Figure 28 and Figure 29, around 50% of the losses of gold and palladium in
Germany, and over 80% in the USA are a consequence of the non-separated collection of
sWEEE. The correlation between size of the devices and percentage of devices disposed of
by the last user was shown by Figure 32: the smaller are the devices, the more likely they
are thrown into the waste bin (or stored in drawers).
Through a more extensive collection of sWEEE, substantial losses of precious metals could
be prevented. Future efforts for more collection could focus on the waste equipment that is
most likely to be disposed of, like for example in Germany the small end-of-life devices. The
European WEEE Directive sets little incentive to collect small devices, since the collection
targets are defined by weight and therefore are easier to achieve if the collection focuses on
large appliances. The definition of separate collection targets for different groups of waste
equipment would be a solution to enhance the collection of waste equipment rich in precious
metals. In the USA, where the collection rates for sWEEE from households are very low in
general, efforts are needed for all equipment types. Priorities for the collection can also be
set up depending on the concentration of precious metals in the sWEEE, taking into account
the information contained in Table 33. However, not only precious metals, but also the other
hazardous and valuable materials in WEEE, like (flame-retarded) plastics, other metals,
batteries etc., should be considered by developing collection strategies.
As described in chapter 2.4.2, every collection strategy has advantages and disadvantages
(CIWMB 2004a, Nagel et al. 1998, Legler 2009). In order to reach as many households and
businesses as possible, the different options should be used in parallel, so that the
individuals can for example choose to take their WEEE to a municipal collection centre, to a
temporary collection event at a supermarket (Melissen 2006), or to have the WEEE be
picked up.
Communication and public involvement are keys for the success of the collection of
WEEE (Melissen 2006). Salhofer & Isaac (2002) presented in a more general way the role of
public relations to enhance separate collection of waste for recycling. Regarding separate
collection of WEEE, the communication could spread the following information to the public: