the complexity of the e-waste problem what is e-waste – and why is it an issue? sbc e-waste africa...
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The Complexity of the E-waste Problem
What is e-waste – and why is it an issue?
SBC e-Waste Africa Project
Secretariat of the Basel Convention
e-Waste @ Empa
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 20092
■ Since 20 years Empa assists e-waste management systems in Switzerland and abroad (e-Waste Team 8 / 800)
■ Auditing and R&D for the Swiss system operators SENS, SWICO
■ Representing Switzerland in the forum of the European e-waste take-back systems (European WEEE Forum)
■ Leading the task force “Recycling” of the UN initiative “Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP)”
■ Leading cooperation projects with partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America
■ Related research
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 20093
International cooperation in e-waste management
Cape Town
Bangalore
GuiyuDakar
Bogotá
Sustainable Recycling Industries(new programme funded by Swiss SECO))
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 20094
Policies & Standards for Responsible Recycling (global)
Life Cycle Inventories (Brazil, Egypt, India, South Africa)
IndiaHazardous substances in
(WEEE) plastics
South AfricaRecycling of cooling and freezing
appliances
Ghana & EgyptSustainable management of e-waste
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 20095
What is e-waste?
■E-waste = WEEE = Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment
■According to the EU WEEE Directive, e-waste can be:
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 20096
Key message 1
E-waste is the fastest groing waste stream
E-waste is the fastest groing waste stream
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 20097
2012 total:~45 mln tonnes
Source: Huisman 2012
Developing countries are becoming large e-waste producers as well
■Estimated future computer waste generation for Tanzania
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 20098
exponential growth
linear growth
future massflow trends
~3000 tonnes ofcomputer waste
~9500 tonnes ofcomputer waste
0
100'000
200'000
300'000
400'000
500'000
600'000
700'000
800'000
900'000
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014
No
. o
f c
om
pu
ters
potential e-waste generation potential e-waste generation
Source: Magashi and Schluep 2011
Example e-waste generation in Nigeria / Ghana
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 20099
new
broken / repairable
broken / not repairable
Breakdown of imports
used - good quality
used - bad quality
Breakdown of WEEE arising
Domestice-waste
E-waste from used EEE of unclear
quality
directly imported e-waste
Approx 250,000 tonnes(~5% of WEEE in EU15)
Approx 350,000 tonnes
Approx 650,000 tonnes
Source: SBC 2012
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 200910
Key message 2
E-waste can contain hazardous substances and its improper treatment
leads to adverse effects for human health and the environment
Hazardous substances in EEE
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 200911
Substance Occurence in EEE Possible adverse effects
PBDEs, PBBs Flame retardants in plastics Hormonal effects, under thermal treatment possible formation of dioxines and furanes
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
Condensers, transformers Cancer, effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)
Cooling units, insulation foam deleterious effect on the ozone layer -> increased incidence of skin cancer / genetic damage
Americium (Am) Smoke detectors radioactive element
Antimony Flame retardants in plastics carcinogenic potential
Arsenic gallium arsenide inlight emitting diodes
skin diseases, decrease nerve conduction velocity, lung cancer
Barium Getters in CRTbrain swelling, muscle weakness, damage to the heart, liver and spleen
Cadmium NiCd-batteries, fluorescent layer (CRT screens), printer inks and toners
symptoms of poisoning (weakness, fever, headache, chills, sweating and muscular pain), lung cancer and kidney damage
Chromium VI Data tapes, floppy-disksirritating to eyes, skin and mucous membranes, DNA damage
LeadCRT screens, batteries, printed wiring boards
vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma or even death, appetite loss, abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, sleeplessness, irritability and headache
MercuryFluorescent lamps, some alkaline batteries, switches
brain and liver damage
Improper treatment of e-waste(e.g. India / China)
Issues related to improper treatment of e-waste
© Empa/Switzerland, 29 March 201113
Ref: Sepúlveda, A, Schluep M, et al. 2010. A review of the environmental fate and effects of hazardous substances released from electrical and electronic equipments during recycling: Examples from China and India. Environmental Impact Assessment Review. 30(1):28–41.
Example dioxine emissions from cable burning
© Empa/Switzerland, 29 March 201114
■ Dioxine emission from cable burning is one of the main issues in many developing countries
■ Observation Accra/Ghana■ ~200 kg cable are burnt per hour
■ 10-20% from e-waste(rest mainly from cars)
■ Extrapolated to West Africa
3-7 % of total European Dioxine emissions to air
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 200915
Key message 3
E-waste contains valuable resources which offers opportunities for urban
mining and job creation
At least 57 elements are used in EEE
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 200916
(Source: Behrendt et al. 2007)
Nicht gleich WertNicht gleich Wert
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 200917
Opportunities in e-waste
Primary vs. secondary ore deposits
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 200918
Primary Ore[g/t]
Secondary Ore[g/t]
Device PWB
Gold 9 280 1’400
Palladium 5 73 370
Platinum 3 3 14
Gallium 100 23 118
Lithium 7’000-20’000 10’000-20’000 (Battery) Sou
rce:
Em
pa, G
raed
el
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 200919
Conclusion
■Key message 1:E-waste is the fastest groing waste stream
■Key message 2: E-waste can contain hazardous substances and its improper treatment leads to adverse effects for human health and the environment
■Key message 3:E-waste contains valuable resources which offers opportunities for urban mining and job creation
Thank you!
© Empa/Switzerland, 20 July 200920
Dr. Mathias SchluepEmpaLerchenfeldstrasse 59014 St.Gallen
SWITZERLAND
Technology & Society Lab:www.empa.ch/tsl
Swiss e-Waste Programme:www.ewasteguide.info