Waste Indicators

Appendix B”Other plastics”, accounting for around 43% of total plastic quantities,consists of a large number of different plastic types that are very different asto energy consumption for production. For example, for the production ofpolyamide (nylon) around 130 GJ/tonne are consumed, whereas manufactureof polypropylene only consumes 30 GJ/tonne /15/. This means that ”otherplastics” in relation to indicators probably accounts for a larger part of thecontribution from plastics than the 43% it constitutes quantitatively. Plasticsto a large extent will derive from imported products such as electronics andvehicles.It will hardly be possible to make annual statements, but composition ofplastics may be estimated roughly on the basis of data from the Association ofPlastics Manufacturers in Europe (APME). However, in all circumstances amore detailed survey of average composition of plastics will be necessary.Quantities of collected and recycled PVC will also have to be found inindividual studies, as no annual statements are made.At first it is estimated that it will be relevant to divide amounts into polyolefin(PE and PP), PVC, polystyrene (such as PS, XPS and EPS), PET/PBT,PUR (polyurethane) and other cast plastics (epoxy, phenol resins andpolyester). In setting up the calculation principle it will be necessary toevaluate whether this division is expedient.Detailed statuses of quantities of plastics for waste treatment are estimated tohave scope per plastic type (or group of plastic types such as compositematerials) corresponding to the mass-flow analyses carried out for metals. Asthere is only very little recycling apart from packaging plastics, however,statements will be simplified by the fact that for most types it will be sufficientto state total waste quantities without making a detailed distinction betweentreatment options and use of plastic products. An overall individual survey ofuse and treatment of the most important plastic types will require around 4 to12 man-months. It is assessed that such a survey should be conducted everyfive to ten years.It should be noted that statements for ”other plastics” compared tostatements for packaging plastics require a more detailed analysis, as theuseful life for products is so long that it cannot be assumed that quantities forwaste treatment in a given period corresponds to consumption.2.1.4 MetalsAs it appears from the example calculated, metals have significant weight inthe total accounts.Collection and recyclingIn the ISAG statistics, all metals are listed together under ”Iron and metals”.The total metal fraction consists mainly of iron and steel, and a statement ofquantities and treatment of the individual metals therefore must be based onother data sources.It is relevant to divide into:116