Does WEEE Recycling Make Sense from an Environmental Perspective? The Environmental Impacts of the Swiss Take-Back and Recycling Systems for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Two take-back and recycling systems for computers, consumer electronics, and telecommunication equipment and for household appliances in Switzerland were evaluated to gauge environmental impacts of different waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) treatment options. The systems are based on...

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Veröffentlicht in:Environmental impact assessment review 2005-07, Vol.25 (5), p.525-539
Hauptverfasser: Hischier, R, Wager, P, Gauglhofer, J
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Two take-back and recycling systems for computers, consumer electronics, and telecommunication equipment and for household appliances in Switzerland were evaluated to gauge environmental impacts of different waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) treatment options. The systems are based on an advanced recycling fee and are well-established. Environmental impacts were estimated by application of material flow analyses and life cycle assessments. The main impacts throughout the complete recycling chain occur during the treatment steps applied to transform waste into secondary raw materials. WEEE recycling proves to be clearly beneficial from an environmental perspective when environmental impacts of WEEE recycling are contrasted with those associated with an incineration scenario.
ISSN:0195-9255
DOI:10.1016/j.eiar.2005.04.003