Trials explore different technologies to be used on a commercial scale:
A two-year research project conducted by Manchester-based Axion Recycling has identified a range of processing technologies that could be implemented on a commercial scale for separation of plastics from waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE).
The different technologies investigated during the trials, which were funded by Defra, include shredding, granulating, removal of brominated flame retardants and polymer colour sorting. Polymer separation methods analysed included gravity and electrostatic separation and wet or dry separation techniques.
Axion technical director Keith Freegard will present the project’s findings to reprocessing machine manufacturers and recycling companies at a special exhibition and networking event being organised jointly by Axion and Defra at Newark Showground on 11 July. He said the knowledge and know-how gained throughout the trials will be of value to companies interested in setting up their own WEEE treatment plants.
“There is a great potential for WEEE plastics recycling, and this is going to grow,” said Freegard. “However, there is currently not enough capacity in the UK to handle the predicted volumes of this type of waste.”
Installed capacity at present is less than 50,000tpa, but an estimated 200,000 to 300,000tpa of WEEE plastics is predicted to arise from the domestic market alone.
“Our research takes forward the knowledge on how to process a complicated waste stream that is mostly being exported to China at present,” said Freegard. “The implementation of the UK ’s WEEE legislation creates a need for good evidence of recycling rates and the compliance schemes favour a traceable, high-quality manufacturing system, which can easily be visited for audit purposes.”
Recently published figures for registered producers and importers show that at least 1.48 million tonnes of new electrical items were put on the UK domestic market alone in 2006. There could be a further 50% generated by the business and commercial sector.
|
If you like this article and want to share it with friends, please use the social links below:
|
|
Back