Back to: SRI Online Training on E-Waste Management
Recycling
value chain
In this section of the module, we’ll be exploring the recycling value chain.
Understanding the
recycling value chain
- The recycling value chain involves all the sub-processes at the end-of-life of a WEEE (3rd step of the previous slide).
- The aim of each sub-process is to recover material and energy of old products.
- Each process of the value chain should be optimized, to achieve best recovery and economic results.
- All phases have an impact on the others.
The recycling process of a WEEE can be subdivided into 3 main steps
COST
Collection
Requires a high awareness level and willingness of the consumer to bring it back.
COST
Pre-treatment
Sorting of the various electronic parts and separation / shredding of the different components for further recycling of materials.
COST / PROFIT
Feedback to market
Feeding back to the market the materials. Ideally, they can be mixed with materials from other sources and be re-used for new products.
Recycling value chain actors
The variety of stakeholders at the end-of-life of WEEE is broad. It consists of dealers and retailers, collectors, dismantlers, refurbishers, recycler and material recovery operators.
Further reading
For additional context, we have included an optional PDF with further reading.