Evaluating the Effectiveness of Density-Based Sorting of Plastics from WEEE and Elvs

16 Pages Posted: 1 Mar 2024

Abstract

Density-based sorting is the most commonly applied method to sort plastic waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment and End-of-Life Vehicles. Therefore, density-based sorting processes have a large influence on the volumes of plastics that get recycled, incinerated and landfilled. However, the optimal control of these processes is challenging, since both the composition of plastic waste streams and regulation on the treatment of plastic waste are ever evolving. To maximise the recycling potential of the treated plastic material, this article presents a method to assess the effectiveness of density-based sorting processes. Through lab-scale density separation experiments and spectroscopic measurements, the halogen levels and polymer type concentrations are determined in function of density for four fractions of plastics that are either landfilled, incinerated or recycled after density-based sorting. Based on the results, changes are recommended to the operation of the sorting processes.

Keywords: Plastic, recycling, WEEE, Sorting, Spectroscopy, Brominated Flame Retardants

Suggested Citation

Van den Eynde, Simon and Waumans, Stijn and Dimas, Theodoros and Díaz-Romero, Dillam Jossue and Zaplana, Isiah and Peeters, Jef, Evaluating the Effectiveness of Density-Based Sorting of Plastics from WEEE and Elvs. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4745572 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4745572

Simon Van den Eynde (Contact Author)

KU Leuven ( email )

Oude Markt 13
Leuven, 3000
Belgium

Stijn Waumans

KU Leuven ( email )

Oude Markt 13
Leuven, 3000
Belgium

Theodoros Dimas

KU Leuven ( email )

Oude Markt 13
Leuven, 3000
Belgium

Dillam Jossue Díaz-Romero

KU Leuven ( email )

Oude Markt 13
Leuven, 3000
Belgium

Isiah Zaplana

KU Leuven ( email )

Jef Peeters

KU Leuven ( email )

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