title: An investigation of trends in precious metal and copper content of RAM modules in WEEE: Implications for long term recycling potential.
abstract: Precious metal (PM) and copper content of dynamic-RAM modules placed on the market during 1991-2008 has been analysed by AAS following comminution and acid digestion. Linear regression analysis of compositional data ordered according to sample chronology was used to identify historic temporal trends in module composition resulting from changes in manufacturing practices, and to project future trends for use in more accurate assessment of future recycling potential. DRAM was found to be 'high grade' waste with: stable levels of gold and silver over time; 80% reduction in palladium content during 1991-2008; and 0.23g/module/year increase in copper content with a 75% projected increase from 2008 by 2020. The accuracy of future recycling potential projections for WEEE using current methods based on static compositional data from current devices is questionable due to likely changes in future device composition. The impact on recycling potential projections of waste laptops, smart phones, cell phones and tablets arising in Europe in 2020 resulting from a 75% increase in copper content is considered against existing projections using static compositional data. The results highlight that failing to consider temporal variations in PM content may result in significant discrepancies between projections and future recycling potential.
authors.affiliation: COATED Engineering Doctorate, Room 333, Grove Building, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. Electronic address: 290952@swansea.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Rhys Gareth
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Charles
authors.affiliation: Chemistry Group, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa. Electronic address: p.douglas@swansea.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.affiliation: School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK. Electronic address: Ingrid.hallin@plymouth.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Ingrid Liv
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Hallin
authors.affiliation: College of Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK. Electronic address: i.matthews@swansea.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.affiliation: Metech Recycling (UK) Ltd, Unit 49 Hirwaun Industrial Estate, Hirwaun, Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan CF44 9UP, UK. Electronic address: gareth.liversage@metechrecycling.uk.com.
authors.forename: Gareth
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Liversage
mesh_terms: D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis; D059029:Electronic Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D059027:Recycling / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D003300:Copper
keywords: Atomic absorption spectroscopy; PC; Precious metals; RAM; Recycling potential; Value trend; WEEE/e-waste