Small WEEE: determining recyclables and hazardous substances in plastics.
An examination regarding the determination of recyclables and hazardous substances in small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) found in the residual household waste stream of the city of Dresden, Germany, is described. Firstly, attitudes towards the disposal of small WEEE in the latter are assessed, and product types and categories which mostly contribute to its composition are identified. Physical parameters which could be used as mechanical sorting criteria are measured, and the material composition of the small WEEE found is determined. The hazardous substances' "base" charge in the residual waste is established by means of atomic absorption spectrometry and ionic chromatography, as a first step in estimating the contribution of small WEEE to its pollutant load. Consequently, the content of small WEEE plastics in key heavy metals and halogens is determined. Key conclusions are drawn concerning the future strategic development and practical implementation of the 2002/96/EC Directive, in relation to small WEEE management and recycling.
Laboratory of Toxic & Hazardous Waste Management, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Polytechnioupolis, 73100 Chania, Greece. gidarako@mred.tuc.gr
Emmanouil
E
Dimitrakakis
Alexander
A
Janz
Bernd
B
Bilitewski
Evangelos
E
Gidarakos
D002627:Chemistry, Physical / Q000379:methods; D002852:Chromatography, Ion Exchange / Q000379:methods; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods; D004581:Electronics; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry; D005858:Germany; D006219:Halogens / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D007220:Industrial Waste; D008422:Materials Testing; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D010969:Plastics; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic / Q000379:methods
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006219:Halogens; D007220:Industrial Waste; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D010969:Plastics