Calculation of recyclability on the product level - Challenges for a smart phone

The WEEE Directive targets product categories rather than product design. However, as a practical consideration product design can be key for maximizing material recovery from electronics recycling. Maximizing material recovery during recycling demands a environmentally conscious design. A variety of approaches and international standards may be helpful in tackling this challenging problem. A method will be presented that allows the calculation of the recyclability on the product level taking into account material flow during product disassembly. Material data from material assay testing is used as a starting point to calculate recyclability. An example for a smart phone will be shown. For individual components typical levels of disassembly are detailed out in a disassembly report. Typical recycling processes used or available at recycling companies typically strive to group together disassembled parts that contain materials that are compatible with one another for subsequent recovery/reuse based on overall material composition. From such a processing model, recycling values for typical processing scenarios are obtained, such as the full or recycling optimal scenario or a shredding and smelting process only taking into account the regulatory required disassembly. Manufacturers can obtain a more complete picture of their product by developing a better understanding of a prototype product´s recyclability rating and improvement potential by thoughtful material selection and design for disassembly. A study of this overall problem and a strategy to maximize material recovery at end of life will be presented.