Recycling consumer electronics

Metal derivatives (Ti, Zn, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb) and bromine from additives in recycled thermoplasts from consumer electronic waste were determined by dissolving the samples in an organic solvent, followed by TXRF analysis [56], The procedure proved considerably less time-consuming than conventional digestion of the polymer matrix. Results were validated independently by INAA. 

A variety of other efforts are being made to prevent consumer products from ending up in waste-disposal systems, whether they be landfills, incinerators, or recycling centers. Many manufacturers have developed or are developing plans to have consumers return to them all or some portion of the products they sell. For example, in 2001 the Sony Corporation began to retrieve and recycle its consumer electronics, including televisions and computer monitors, in six states. 

The lithium-polymer version of these batteries is another area where work is needed. Lithium-polymer batteries are being rapidly developed for portable consumer electronics applications and may be used in the future for EV/HEVs since the polymer design mitigates safety concerns regarding lithium metal in large cells. Some work to develop recycling processes is under way, but no details have been published and no process test data have been made available. Although many of the constituents are shared in common with the Li-ion battery system, the presence of a solid polymer... 

Blends of PPE and PS are commercially available and used for injection molding articles such as housings for appliances and consumer electronics. In order to reduce waste and to conserve energy, it would be desirable to prepare blends of PPE and PS using recycled PS [109]. 

Argoime National Laboratory has developed a plastics separation system based on froth flotation. A series of six tanks is used, each with a specific function, depending on the plastic being recovered. The chemical solutions in each tank are chosen for the particular apphcation. It has been used for recovering selected plastics from automobile shredder residue, disassembled car parts, industrial scrap plastics, and consumer electronics. Argonne claims it is the only technology that can successfully recycle ABS with a purity greater than 99 percent. ... 

LIBS is a suitable method for on-line analysis of the elemental composition of recycled complex ther-moplasts from consumer electronics (ABS, PA, PC, PS, SBR, PPG, TPO, PVC, PPO/PS). The process analysis of such thermoplasts by LIBS (Nd YAG at 266 nm) was reported [139] data analysis consisted of multivariate methods and variable subset selection via a genetic algorithm. Reference analysis was... 

In 2001, a group of manufacturers, recyclers, and government representatives in the U.S.A. formed the National Electronics Product Stewardship Initiative, with the major goal of creating a framework for product stewardship for electronics in the United States. Other product stewardship initiatives were previously initiated in the Northeast and the Western regions of the U.S. The Electronic Industries Alliance oppates a web site that directs consumers to electronics recycling and reuse opportunities. "... 

Mobile phone companies such as Ericsson and Nokia have made lead-free and halogen-free product plans part of their environmental policies. While some consumer electronics companies, such as Philips, favor product recycling as the best environmental choice, most European companies have lead-free policies driven by legislation initiatives. 

Total consumption of lead in the United States in 1993 reached 1,318,800 t. Of this, 766,000 t (58%) is allocated to battery use suppHed as either a mixed oxide or as metal. Approximately 95% of batteries are recycled and the lead recovered. In 1993, 908,000 t of lead came from secondary smelters and refiners compared to 350,000 t originating in primary mines and smelters (39). Approximately 51,000 t of lead was consumed in U.S. production of all oxides and chemicals appHcable to all industries other than batteries. Estimates include 8000 t for plastics, 6000 t for gasoline additives, 2000 t for mbber, and 30,000 t for ceramics, glass, and electronics. Lead is not used to any extent in dispersive appHcations such as coatings. 

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