Recycling: from e-waste to resources, July 2009. UNEP. (pdf, 2.49MB)
The appropriate handling of e-waste can both prevent serious environmental damage and also recover valuable materials, especially for metals. The recycling chain for e-waste is classified into three main subsequent steps: (i) collection, (ii) sorting/dismantling and preprocessing (including sorting, dismantling and mechanical treatment) and (iii) endprocessing.
All three steps should operate and interact in a holistic manner to achieve the overall recycling objectives. The main objectives of e-waste recycling and basic considerations for innovation are:
- Treat the hazardous fractions in an environmentally sound manner,
- Create eco-efficient and sustainable business,
- Recover valuable material maximally and
- Consider social impact and local context
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Great information about recycling! I could not agree more that the three stages of recycling MUST be carried out in a holistic manner for maximum efficiency and eco-consciousness.
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