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

34 Substance flow analysis of the recycling of small WEEE
estimates explain the diverging results (Widmer et al. 2005). It is difficult to measure or
estimate actual WEEE generation, since the routes for disposal are manifold (Huisman et al.
2007).
Table 5
Estimations of the quantity of sWEEE generated annually in Germany and in the USA
Country Source Year sWEEE generated Considered sWEEE
(categories according to
kt/year kg/cap*a
WEEE Directive)
Germany Hafkesbrink et al. 1998 1992 611 7.6 2, 3, 4
Wissing 1995 1994 483 5.9 2, 3, 4, 6
BVSE 1998 1997 890 10.9 2, 3, 4
Hafkesbrink et al. 1998 1998 923 11.2 2, 3, 4
Hanke et al. 2001 1998 650 7.9 2, 3, 4
IZT 2004 2000 971 11.8 2, 3, 4
BVSE 2003 2000 1007 12.3 2, 3, 4
IFEU 2005 2003 429 5.2 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
ZVEI 2005 2005 286 3.5 2, 3, 4
Huisman et al. 2007 1 2007 715 8.7 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
USA US EPA 2008 2007 2043 6.8 3, 4 2
1
Forecast WEEE arising in Germany combined with average category composition of WEEE
2
Six EEE related to computers, TV sets and mobile phones were considered - expressed in US short
tons in the report of the US EPA (2008)
Although the results of studies aimed at quantifying the generation of WEEE differ
considerably, many researchers agree that worldwide, the generation of WEEE is
continuously increasing (Kahhat et al. 2008; IAER 2006; Widmer et al. 2005). Huisman et al.
2007 reports that the generation of household WEEE in Europe could grow annually at
between 2.5% and 2.7%. Hischier et al. (2005) mentioned an increase between 3% and 5%.
This increase is different according to the product groups. In the USA, the proportion of
computer-related products reaching the end-of-life stage has increased over time relative to
TVs (US EPA 2008). In Germany, the generation of waste IT equipment is expected to
increase by 72% between 2008 and 2013, while the generation of small waste consumer
equipment will increase by “only” 10% (calculated from the data of Rotter & Janz 2006).