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

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.

by Nahyeon Cho, Young-Yeul Kang * , Ji-Yeon Kim, Young-Sam Yoon, Tae-Wan Jeon

Abstract

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.

Keywords: small WEEE plastics, Material flow analysis (MFA), Hazardous characteristics in plastic waste, plastic management

published: Korea Society of Waste Management, 11|2022
Keywords: Material Recovery, Electronic Waste, Hazardous Waste, Korea (Republic of)

Dr. Young-Sam Yoon
National Institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment