Karl S Williams

Challenges around automotive shredder residue production and disposal

The challenge for the automotive industry is how to ensure they adopt the circular economy when it comes to the disposal of end-of-life vehicles (ELV). According to the European Commission the UK achieved a total reuse and recovery rate of 88%. This is short of the revised ELV directive target of 95% materials recovery, which requires a minimum of 85% of materials to be recycled or reused. A significant component of the recycling process is the production of automotive shredder residue (ASR). This is currently landfilled across Europe. The additional 10% could be met by processing ASR through either waste-to-energy facilities or Post shredder technology (PST) to recover materials. The UK auto and recycling sectors claimed there would need to be a massive investment by their members in both new capacity and new technology for PST to recover additional recycle materials. It has been shown that 50% of the ASR contains valuable recoverable materials which could be used to meet the Directive target. It is expected in the next 5years that technological innovation in car design will change the composition from easily recoverable metal to difficult polymers. This change in composition will impact on the current drive to integrate the European Circular Economy Package. A positive factor is that main driver for using ASR is coming from the metals recycling industry itself. They are looking to develop the infrastructure for energy generation from ASR and subsequent material recovery. This is driven by the economics of the process rather than meeting the Directive targets. The study undertaken has identified potential pathways and barriers for commercial thermal treatment of ASR. The results of ASR characterisation were used to assess commercial plants from around the world. Whilst there were many claiming that processing of ASR was possible none have so far shown both the technological capability and economic justification.

A Glance at the World

Landfilling has traditionally been the predominant waste management option in the developing world. Many of these landfill sites remain poorly managed which has led to serious negative impacts on human health and the local environment. Inadequate financing has been cited as one of the major barrier that makes it difficult for many landfill owners/operators to operate and manage their sites in an appropriate manner. The often low gate fees charged for the disposal of waste at such sites does not provide sufficient funds to incorporate adequate environmental mitigation processes. Consequently, many sites are operated as “open dumps” or semi-managed dumpsites which have associated environmental problems such as unabated emissions of landfill gas (LFG) and leachate discharge. Furthermore, once landfilling operations have ceased, no financial provisions are made for “after-care” of the site. This is in stark contrast to the situation in Europe and other developed regions of the world. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) provides an opportunity for developing countries to substantially improve landfill site operation. The implementation of landfill gas capture projects not only decreases the environmental impact of methane gas but can lead to improved site management practices. It is also an opportunity to generate additional revenue through carbon credits and when possible, through energy generation. This paper explores how CDM projects offer economic benefits to overcome financial barriers to landfill site operation in developing countries. A case study has been used to illustrate the potential benefits of implementing a landfill gas CDM project at the Chunga landfill site in Lusaka, Zambia. Baseline greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions were estimated for the site. It was found that implementing a landfill gas CDM project would generate revenue amounting to more than 18% of the gate fees over a 7-year crediting period. This additional revenue could supplement the operator’s budget required for site management and mitigate the environmental impacts currently associated with the site.

A Glance at the World: Potential Benefits of Implementing Landfill Gas (LFG) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects at Waste Disposal Sites: Case Study for Implementation at Chunga Landfill Site in Lusaka, Zambia

Landfilling has traditionally been the predominant waste management option in the developing world. Many of these landfill sites remain poorly managed which has led to serious negative impacts on human health and the local environment. Inadequate financing has been cited as one of the major barrier that makes it difficult for many landfill owners/operators to operate and manage their sites in an appropriate manner. The often low gate fees charged for the disposal of waste at such sites does not provide sufficient funds to incorporate adequate environmental mitigation processes. Consequently, many sites are operated as “open dumps” or semi-managed dumpsites which have associated environmental problems such as unabated emissions of landfill gas (LFG) and leachate discharge. Furthermore, once landfilling operations have ceased, no financial provisions are made for “after-care” of the site. This is in stark contrast to the situation in Europe and other developed regions of the world. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) provides an opportunity for developing countries to substantially improve landfill site operation. The implementation of landfill gas capture projects not only decreases the environmental impact of methane gas but can lead to improved site management practices. It is also an opportunity to generate additional revenue through carbon credits and when possible, through energy generation. This paper explores how CDM projects offer economic benefits to overcome financial barriers to landfill site operation in developing countries. A case study has been used to illustrate the potential benefits of implementing a landfill gas CDM project at the Chunga landfill site in Lusaka, Zambia. Baseline greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions were estimated for the site. It was found that implementing a landfill gas CDM project would generate revenue amounting to more than 18% of the gate fees over a 7-year crediting period. This additional revenue could supplement the operator’s budget required for site management and mitigate the environmental impacts currently associated with the site.

Recycling liquid crystal displays

Abstract: The WEEE Directive states that mercury-containing backlights used in liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, are hazardous and must be removed. With little data available on the recycling techniques required for LCDs, the electronic waste management industry is uncertain as to the best practical environmental options for their treatment. The most appropriate process for the waste industry will be based on the following: (i) composition, (ii) treatment processes, (iii) material recovery and (iv) environmental protection. These challenges are now facing the recycling industry in their endeavour to process LCDs and to be prepared for their successor technologies. This chapter will outline the important issues to consider when recycling display equipment.