10 07 29 Master thesis Juliana Leon - e-Waste. This guide

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possible intervention points. Therefore, this model could be used in the future as a tool when developing strategic plans for the implementation of alternative systems. However, the model relies on certain assumptions; some limiting factors are: • By definition, the model is a simplification of the reality; • The consumers’ disposal habits are partly estimated; and • The model reflects only what is happening in large cities and, although it is known that majority of computers are in these areas, it might not reflect the nationwide reality. Although the model was not implemented precisely aiming at economical analysis or environmental assessment, such further applications are feasible. The model proposed can serve as a basis for an Economically Extended MFA by introducing economical values such as the market price for each flow and the added value for each process. The model can also lead to further calculations of the environmental impacts associated with each process by introducing data such as material recovery (or loss), energy consumption, and emissions generated. By adapting some entries, such as consumer habits, refurbishment rate and formal disposal possibility, the model could be applied to other e-waste categories such as TVs and printers, photocopiers, and video recorders. Nevertheless, other smaller devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, or music devices may not behave similarly, especially considering the storage, which might be longer, and or collection by MSW trucks. Although the quantity of informally processed PWBs is always lower than the one that is formally treated, the “worst scenario” features up to 295 tons of computer PWBs that might undergo artisanal processes, making this practice perhaps not as sporadic as initially thought. However, this practice is really clandestine and the field survey did not allow knowing further details, which makes it really complicated the discussion of numbers found. The only point of comparison existing is an estimation of 5 tons per month given by CI Recycables after their own investigations following a decrease in the amount of PWBs received in some cities (Jaramillo, 2010). This estimation of 60 tons/year is close to the base scenario, where this represents 76 tons/year. 56
5 CONCLUSIONS What are the actual e-waste flows handled by the informal sector in Colombia The base scenario of the Material Flow Analysis modelled in this study shows that 54% of the total computer waste generated in 2009 was treated through the informal sector, basically by dismantling and trade of the valuable parts, whereas only 14% was treated by the formal sector. Depending on the scenario, the recicladores contributed with the collection of 2,100 to 5,100 tons of computer waste from households, small businesses, and computer shops. Interfaces between the informal and the formal sectors are allowing the recovery of metals and the redirection of PWBs to formal recycling companies, whereas the non-valuable parts in the informal sector such as CRT glass, plastics, and low grade PWBs are being dumped or landfilled. Furthermore, the refurbishment and upgrading of computers appear to generate multiple benefits. First, they constitute the most effective way to reintroduce materials and function as a reverse supply chain contributing to the reduction of the flow rates throughout the whole system and, thus, moderating the load arriving at the starting e- waste recycling industry in Colombia. Second, it is a really profitable market that generates much more added value than the recycling industry given that all the parts have a higher functional value than what can be earned from their materials, redistributing this added value to the creation of jobs and business opportunities. Finally, the reverse supply chain feeds an ever-increasing demand for low-cost computers contributing to bridging the digital divide. When planning for a new system, it is important not to interfere with the existing commercial refurbishment activities and, even better, to promote them as they play such an important role. Which are the flows or processes to be avoided in the future for a sustainable e- waste management system Based on the Material Flow Analysis, the most problematic components were identified and the corresponding flows analysed. The field survey revealed that in the IS, CRT-monitors are often dismantled only because of the copper yoke and some 57
Page 3 and 4:
Abstract In Colombia, as in other d
Page 5 and 6:
Glossary Chatarrerías - A term use
Page 7 and 8:
3.3.2 Informal refurbishment and r
Page 9:
List of Tables Table 1: General inf
Page 12 and 13:
1.2 Colombia as case study The Repu
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(both laptop and desktop) in Colomb
Page 16 and 17: collection, refurbishment, manual d
Page 18 and 19: 2 METHODS 2.1 Computer waste genera
Page 20 and 21: Table 4: Parameters used for the co
Page 22 and 23: made. This means that from the tota
Page 24 and 25: 2.3.1 Definitions The following imp
Page 26 and 27: Table 7: Average composition and we
Page 28 and 29: M c ik = ˙ ik ˙ (9) F i The distr
Page 30 and 31: In 2009, waste of more recent techn
Page 32 and 33: 200 and 350 tons. Based on the latt
Page 34 and 35: iggest formal e-waste recycling com
Page 36 and 37: this study, the term “informal co
Page 38 and 39: A pilot project conducted in Bogot
Page 40 and 41: Figure 12: Manual dismantling of co
Page 42 and 43: city. Scrap metal dealers are then
Page 44 and 45: The direct MSW collection rate is t
Page 46 and 47: In the three scenarios, informally
Page 48 and 49: are mixed with common glass, or are
Page 50 and 51: entering the market are almost excl
Page 52 and 53: Non treated (low-grade PWBs) Formal
Page 54 and 55: Refurbish Formal treatment Worst ca
Page 56 and 57: introduction of an Advanced Recycli
Page 58 and 59: Table 15: Theoretical benefit from
Page 60 and 61: 3.5.1.3 Social benefits Allowing th
Page 62 and 63: 3.5.2.2 Environmental benefits Evid
Page 64 and 65: 4 FINAL REMARKS 4.1 Computer waste
Page 68 and 69: small metal parts that can be sold,
Page 70 and 71: 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to
Page 72 and 73: Gmünder S. (2007). Recycling - Fro
Page 74 and 75: Uribe L.M., Wolfensberger M. y Ott,
Page 76 and 77: Appendix A.2: List of expert interv
Page 78 and 79: Appendix B.1: Flow scheme for the
Page 80 and 81: Appendix C.2: Flow Matrix for the
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