Substance flow analysis of brominated flame retardants and related compounds in waste TV sets in Japan

We conducted time-series substance flow analysis of two types of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) – polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) – and two types of related compounds – Sb (used with BFRs for flame inhibition) and polybrominated dibenzo dioxins and furans (PBDDs/DFs: unintended byproducts) – in five size categories of waste TV sets in Japan. Two scenarios were created with BFR substitutions and compared to a “business as usual” scenario in order to obtain basic information for strategic product management. The results showed that the use of DecaBDE in rear and front covers of TV sets began in fiscal 1987–1990 and 1993–1996, respectively, and that TBBPA was used to some extent as a substitute for DecaBDE in the 90s. The amount of waste Br in the plastic covers is predicted to increase until at least fiscal 2020 due to the increasing size of TV sets. Although substitution of BFRs with non-BFRs in Japan by 2006 will reduce waste Br, the amount in waste TV sets will not peak until fiscal 2009. The results will help inform decisions in Japan regarding the recovery and disposal of waste TV sets. The methods used would benefit waste managers faced with similar issues in other countries.