Would the setting-up of reference values to support the calculation of recyclability rates help improving the material efficiency of electronic products?

Abstract

The objectives of ‘feasibility study for setting-up reference values to support the calculation of recyclability/recoverability rates of electr(on)ic products’ commissioned by the Joint Research Centre are to define key harmonized methodological aspects to develop reference values on recycling and recovery rates (RR rates) of materials and components for electr(on)ic products to calculate recyclability and recoverability rates of products, and to assess the benefits and limitations associated to the development of such reference values. To quantify the recycling and recovery rates of materials and components, the focus was set on the use of data on RR rates compiled to comply with the reporting requirements of the WEEE directive and combined with analyses of the input composition. The frame set by the European Waste Framework Directive and the Cenelec EN and TS 50625 standards served as a methodological basis to define the requirements on the data. The methodology was tested on two case studies. The development of the reference values using a harmonized scope of the calculation and harmonized methods would provide common data reflecting the economically running treatment processes used by Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) treatment operators for calculating recyclability and recoverability rates of products. The calculated recyclability and recoverability rates of products can be used as one of the indicators of the material efficiency of a product, and integrated into further environmental assessments. The method provides new opportunities to link product design and recycling, as well as to enhance the dialogue between the stakeholders.