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Feasibility Study of Closed-Loop Recycling for Plastic Generated from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in South Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Won Hee Choi

    (Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, INHA University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
    e-Cycle Governance, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea)

  • Kook Pyo Pae

    (Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, INHA University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea)

  • Nam Seok Kim

    (Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, INHA University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea)

  • Hong Yoon Kang

    (Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, INHA University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea)

  • Yong Woo Hwang

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, INHA University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Plastics follow a linear economic structure, leading to detrimental environmental effects, such as global warming and ecosystem destruction, through incineration and accumulation throughout their life cycle. This study examined the types, potential generation amounts, and properties of recycled plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) to assess the feasibility of the closed-loop recycling of plastics from WEEE under South Korea’s EPR system. Actual data from companies were used to determine the factors, such as the processing volume of WEEE. As of 2021, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (53,363 tons), polypropylene (14,320 tons), and polystyrene (8199 tons) were the recycled plastics produced by both large and small WEEE. The properties of recycled plastics meet the specifications of new electrical and electronic products. In addition, an analysis using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology showed that the recycling effect (avoided emissions) reached 262,033 tons of CO 2 eq. per year. Therefore, closed-loop recycling is the most suitable and effective method for reducing greenhouse gases. This paper presents the potential amount of recycled plastics generated from WEEE within South Korea’s regulatory framework, providing valuable foundational data for policy development for promoting the use of recycled plastics.

Suggested Citation

  • Won Hee Choi & Kook Pyo Pae & Nam Seok Kim & Hong Yoon Kang & Yong Woo Hwang, 2023. "Feasibility Study of Closed-Loop Recycling for Plastic Generated from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in South Korea," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:17:p:6358-:d:1231370
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