Small WEEE plastics in Republic of Korea: Application Material flow analysis (MFA) and safety assessment for recycling

The use of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is rapidly increasing with digitalization and electrification. For carbon neutrality and circular economy, many countries are interested in plastic and increasing attention is paid to recycling plastic comprised approximately 2-30% of EEE. Small EEE, compared to large appliances (e.g. refrigerator, washing machine, TV, air conditioner, vending machine), are frequently and easily thrown away because they are replaced with new products for reasons such as changed design and upgraded performance. Recycling of small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) plastics is a solution that can reduce the amount of waste treated by incineration and landfill. To realize a circular economy and carbon neutrality, it is necessary to improve factors that impede recycling, such as plastic waste treatment in the informal sector and manage hazardous substances in plastics for safety.

In this study, firstly, Material flow analysis (MFA) was conducted using national statistical data and field survey results to evaluate the entire process of small WEEE plastics to identify factors that hinder the utilization of plastic waste as a recycled resources at each stage of the life cycle, and propose improvement measures to respond for global plastic management policy Also, to assessment the recycling safety of the WEEE plastics for reuse, the contents of following substances were analyzed: regulatory substances (e.g. heavy metals, brominated flame retardants and phthalates) managed under Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) and Korea’s Act on Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles as well as unregulated substances. The conclusions are drawn concerning the future strategic development in relation to small WEEE plastics management.

Related papers

LFP batteries play an important role in energy storage and e-mobility

Key E-Waste Statistics

First Release, Environment, Electrical and Electronic Waste

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collection rate (Indicator)

Pollutant or Resource – Two Aspects of Sustainability in the Innovative Treatment of Industrial Hazardous Residues

Pollutant or Resource – Two Aspects of Sustainability in the Innovative Treatment of Industrial Hazardous Residues

Packaging Waste Statistics

Wastes remaining after all recycling and composting: POST-RECYCLING WASTES

Applicability Assessment of a Plasma Melting Process for a Sustainable Fly Ash Recycling System in South Korea

A combined PVC Swelling and Ball Milling Approach for Highly Efficient Recovery of High-Purity Cu and PVC from Waste Wire Harnesses