The rapid increase in consumer electronics purchases has created a growing stream of used electronics in need of appropriate management. The average American owns 24 units per household, and the annual E-waste was estimated 1.8 M metric tons in 2015. Half of the states have enacted legislation based extended producer responsibility (EPR) program to support the management of the end-of-life electronics of varying scope and design. Recycling programs mandate the collection of many recyclables, which have little market value or capability to be processed, and restricting or banning the landfilling of e-waste. Many of manufacturers and retailers also offer take-back programs. However, U.S.EPA has estimated that approximately 25% of domestic e-waste is currently being recycled or reused. The e-metals waste streams are being recycled to a reasonable degree due to the value of precious metals. E-plastic waste streams currently are not recycled or reused to a significant extent. As a result, most e-plastics are disposed of by landfilling or thermal treatment, or sent overseas for recycling or reuse. The two of the significant barriers to e-plastics' reuse or recycling is the mixed plastic content and the presence in the e-plastics brominated flame retardants (BFR) and organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFR), have associated health concerns. E-plastics represent a larger fraction of the e-waste stream than e-metals, and there are significantly fewer options for their recycling or reuse.  Thus, EU and U.S. recyclers have relied on demand from the Chinese market to sustain their operations. The recent ban in import by China presents both a challenge to electronics waste management programs and an opportunity for innovative approaches.<br/>

Electronic plastics waste management challenges and opportunities

256th National Meeting (2018)

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