Improving resource efficiency through recycling modelling: A case study for LCD TVs

Abstract

Nearly 20% of the global emissions and energy consumption originate from material extraction. In the last decade recycling has emerged as an ecologically sound solution to face material scarcity and to lower the environmental impact caused by material extraction and refining. Mainly due to the high labour costs, in industrialized countries automated material separation processes are nowadays commonly adopted for recycling complex products such as e-waste. In consequence, proper understanding on the performance of these automated separation processes and the overall efficiency of multi-stage recycling schemes is required for adequate investment planning. This article presents a set of modelling techniques and metrics to assist small and medium sized pre-treatment recycling companies, in the initial design phase of multi-stage recycling schemes, while minimizing the required input data. To illustrate this, the recycling of LCD TVs is analysed in detail as a case study.