SCYCLE

Recyclability of EEE according to EN45555: Recyclability rates of key materials and components in standard WEEE treatment

Summary:
The report describes the approach developed to assess the recyclability of key materials and components of (W)EEE. The method was tested on different types of IT equipment with commercial WEEE treatment operators in real life settings. The results are presented in the report.

Key findings:
Manual and Mechanical Treatment: The methodology developed facilitated the assessment of material losses during mechanical treatments, leading to more accurate recycling rates. The recycling rates for identical materials vary depending on the type of EEE, even under comparable treatments.

Context & impact:
The results present actual loss rates in the mechanical treatment (shredding and mechanical separation) of WEEE for different materials across various types of WEEE. The approach and findings can contribute to assessing the true recyclability of EEE.

Authors & collaborators:
SCYCLE, ERION, WEEE pre-treatment operators in Italy and Germany, and a EEE producer

Find and read the full report: