Recyclability of flame retardant HIPS, PC/ABS, and PPO/HIPS used in electrical and electronic equipment

Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) applications utilize various brominated and phosphorus flame returdants for reasons of fire safety. The use of flame retardants in these applications delays the spread of fires or delays the time of flashover, hence saving lives and property. An estimated 190 lives are saved annually through the use of flame retardants in television cabinets in the US. Research aimed at answering questions related to risk in use and end-of-life options for flame retardant plastics used in EEE applications has been performed and more is currently being performed. European Risk Assessment for several flame retardants is now in progress. Research has been ongoing to study various end-of-life options. This paper is a continuation of previous papers that address issues related to end-of-life, risk in use, and benefits of plastics containing flame retardants. Results of recent research aimed at determining the recyclability of plastics, such as HIPS, PC/ABS, and more recently PPO/HIPS containing brominated or phosphorus flame retardants under a variety of conditions are included.