George Spirellis MSc’s Post

E Waste E-waste outstrips recycling UN reports global problem hit 62M tons in ’22 with pollution set to pile up even more by ’30 As storks sit on a church, a man scavenges for recyclables Wednesday at Dandora, the largest dump in Nairobi, Kenya. Brian Inganga/ap  By Moses Ndungu and Jamey Keaten Associated Press NAIROBI, Kenya — U.N. agencies have warned that waste from electronics is piling up worldwide while recycling rates remain low and are likely to fall even further. The agencies were referring to e-waste, which is defined as discarded devices with a plug or battery, including cellphones, electronic toys, TVs, microwave ovens, e-cigarettes, laptop computers and solar panels. It does not include waste from electronic vehicles, which fall into a separate category. In a report released this week, the U.N.’s International Telecommunications Union and research arm UNITAR said some 62 million tons of e-waste was generated in 2022, enough to fill tractor-trailers that could be lined up bumper to bumper around the globe. It’s on track to reach 82 million tons by 2030. Metals — including copper, gold and iron — made up half of the 62 million tons, worth a total of some $91 billion, the report said. Plastics accounted for 17 million tons and the remaining 14 million tons include substances like composite materials and glass. The U.N. says 22% of the e-waste mass was properly collected and recycled in 2022. It is expected to fall to 20% by the end of the decade because of “staggering growth” of such waste due to higher consumption, limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, growing “electronification” of society, and inadequate e-waste management infrastructure, the agencies said. They said some of the discarded electronic devices contained hazardous elements like mercury, as well as rare Earth metals coveted by tech industry manufacturers. Currently, only 1% of the demand for the 17 minerals that make up the rare metals is met through recycling. About half of all e-waste is generated in Asia, where few countries have laws on e-waste or collection targets, according to the report. Recycling and collection rates top 40% in Europe, where per-capita waste generation is highest: nearly39 pounds. In Africa, which generates the least of any of the five big global regions, recycling and collection rates hover near 1%, it said. “The latest research shows that the global challenge posed by e-waste is only going to grow,” said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, head of the ITU telecommunication development bureau. “With less than half of the world implementing and enforcing approaches to manage the problem, this raises the alarm for sound regulations to boost collection and recycling.” For some, e-waste represents a way to earn cash by rummaging through trash in the developing world to find coveted commodities, despite the health risks.

Scrap Assessment and Certification Services in Thailand 1. Surveillance of Scrap Quantity Advantage Co., Ltd offers comprehensive surveillance services to assess and verify the quantity of scrap materials. Here’s how this process typically works: · On-Site Inspection: Their experienced inspectors visit the scrap yard or facility where the materials are stored. They meticulously examine the scrap piles, containers, or designated areas to determine the volume of scrap. · Weighing and Measurement: Advantage Co., Ltd ensures accurate measurements by using calibrated weighing scales and other measurement tools. They record the weight, dimensions, and other relevant data. · Documentation: Detailed reports are generated, including photographs, descriptions, and any relevant documentation. These reports serve as evidence of the actual scrap quantity. · Verification: The data collected during the surveillance process is cross-checked against any existing records or manifests. Any discrepancies are thoroughly investigated. · Certification: Upon successful verification, Advantage Co., Ltd issues a certification confirming the accurate quantity of scrap. This certification is valuable for legal compliance, financial transactions, and transparency. Proper scrap disposal has significant environmental benefits. 1.Conservation of Natural Resources: When we recycle scrap materials, we reduce the need to extract new resources such as timber, water, and minerals. By reusing existing materials, we help conserve our planet’s finite resources. 2. Energy Savings: Recycling scrap reduces energy consumption. For instance, recycling just ten plastic bottles can save enough energy to power a laptop for over 25 hours. It’s like giving your laptop a green energy boost! 🌿💡 3.Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction: The recycling and composting of municipal solid waste (MSW or trash) saved over 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018. That’s like taking millions of cars off the road in terms of emissions. 4.Landfill Waste Reduction: Scrap metal recycling diverts waste from landfills, which helps minimize the environmental impact of these sites. Less waste in landfills means more space for other purposes and fewer methane emissions from decomposing waste. 5. Support for Local Economies: Recycling and reuse activities create jobs, generate wages, and contribute to tax revenues. In the United States, recycling and reuse accounted for 681,000 jobs, $37.8 billion in wages, and $5.5 billion in tax revenues in a single year. 6.Promotion of Sustainable Manufacturing: When manufacturers use recycled materials, they reduce their reliance on virgin resources. This shift toward sustainable practices benefits both the environment and the economy. 7. Encouragement of Technological Innovation: Recycling challenges us to find innovative solutions. From designing more recyclable products to improving recycling processes, it fosters creativity and progress.

Statistics on packaging waste in Europe – where do we stand? This October, Eurostat published the 2022 data regarding packaging waste in the 27 EU Member States and the EEA/EFTA countries. The figures illustrate a striking reality: despite increasing efforts, the volume of waste remains concerning. Let’s take stock. 📊 Starting with waste production: In 2022, each inhabitant generated an average of 186.5 kg of packaging waste. This figure shows a slight decrease from 189 kg in 2021. At the European level, this translates to 83.4 million tonnes of packaging waste, an increase of 18.7% over eleven years. —> 83.4 million tonnes is approximately equal to 33,375 Atomiums of Brussels. 📦 Let’s zoom in on materials: The materials used for packaging vary, but paper and cardboard remain the primary contributors: - Paper and cardboard: 34.0 million tonnes, an increase of 21.3% since 2011. - Plastic: 16.1 million tonnes (+29.4%). - Glass: 15.7 million tonnes (+16.3%). - Wood: 13.3 million tonnes (+19.9%). - Metal: 4.1 million tonnes (+7.3%). ♻️Now, let’s address waste management: what about recycling? Out of the 83.4 million tonnes produced, 65.4% were recycled, equating to 54.5 million tonnes, representing a slight increase of 1.4% compared to 2021. However, the recycling rate appears to have stagnated over the past decade, raising questions about current waste management strategies. 🧩 Bridging the gap In conclusion, while we can celebrate the reduction in waste generated and the increase in the recycling rate, these celebrations are short-lived. Despite 65.4% of packaging waste being recycled, 34.6% still ends up as litter, in landfills, or incinerated. The potential for improvement remains significant, and this gap must be addressed. While recycling is essential, these data underscore the necessity of diversifying our solutions; complex problems require complex solutions. We must focus on the first two pillars of the waste hierarchy: reduce & reuse. 🔗 For the complete Eurostat data: link in comments [AI-generated image, obviously]

Collection and Recovery of End-of-Life Tires: A Sustainable Approach End-of-life tires (ELTs) present a significant environmental and industrial dilemma. Each year, millions of tires reach the end of their service life, creating a substantial disposal problem. However, with the right technologies and processes, this waste can be converted into a valuable asset, promoting sustainability and advancing the circular economy. End-of-Life Tire (ELT) Management Stages: 1. Collection and Transport: Collection starts with the segregation of ELTs at designated points like tire shops, garages, landfills, and recycling centers. An effective logistics system is vital to ensure the safe and timely transport of tires to processing facilities. 2. Sorting: At the processing facilities, tires are sorted and categorized according to their condition and type. Some may be refurbished for reuse, while others are processed for material recovery. 3. Shredding: The tires undergo mechanical shredding, being broken down into smaller pieces. 4. Granulation and Pulverization: These shredded pieces are then further processed into fine rubber granules or powder for use in various industrial applications. Recovery and Recycling Technologies 1. Material Recovery Extracting rubber, steel, and textile fibers from end-of-life tires (ELTs) is known as material recovery. The recycled rubber is then utilized in various products, including shock-absorbing mats, sports surfaces, acoustic insulation, and industrial rubber compounds. 2. Pyrolysis Pyrolysis, a thermochemical process, breaks down tires without oxygen, yielding pyrolytic oil, gas, and char. The resulting oil can serve as a fuel or a chemical feedstock, and the char can be used as an additive in industrial processes. 3. Re-treading Re-treading is a process where certain tires undergo vulcanization and tread reconstruction to prolong their lifespan. Advantages of ELT Recovery 1. Lessening Environmental Impact   The recovery and recycling of ELTs decrease landfill waste and lower the risks of pollution from their unchecked decay and burning. 2. Preserving Natural Resources   Tire recycling conserves precious natural resources, diminishing the demand for synthetic rubber and other materials from finite sources. 3. Boosting the Economy   The industry of ELT recycling generates employment, fosters new technology and market growth for recycled products, and offers cost savings over new materials. Conclusion The retrieval of end-of-life tires is a prime example of how waste management can shift towards sustainable, circular models. With the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and effective processing, we can convert an ecological issue into a source of economic and environmental gains. Please consider connecting with me on LinkedIn for in-depth discussions on sustainable methods in the rubber sector and to investigate possible partnerships.

#Talentserve#task31#blog1 Effiency in a recycling: recycling efficiency of a recycling process means the ratio obtained by dividing the mass of output fractions accounting for recycling by the mass of the waste batteries input fraction, expressed as a percentage; Sample 1Sample 2Sample 3. More and more people recycle everyday. This helps to reduce the need for landfill and more costly forms of disposal. Recycling also reduces the need for extracting (mining, quarrying and logging), refining and processing raw materials all of which create substantial air and water pollution. The efficiency of recycling batteries: This regulation stipulates how the efficiency of battery recycling processes must be calculated and mustnot fall below 75% by mass for NiCd batteries, 65% for lead and 50% for all other battery chemistries. These existing minimumrules are valid until 2026 and will then be replaced by the quotas shown in the diagram. Recycling Important 10 Benefits of Recycling: 1.Protects Ecosystems and Wildlife. 2.Conserves Our Natural Resources. 3.Saves Energy. 4.Reduces the Need to 5.Harvest New Materials. 6.Reduces Carbon 7.Emissions. 8.Saves Money. 9.Brings People 10.Together. Educates People About the Importance of Protecting the Environment. Effective Waste Disposal Methods Methods to overcome the above issues include reuse and recycling which help to mitigate the harmful effects of waste by reducing the amount that ends up in landfill. Recycling conserves natural resources and reduces energy demands (for making virgin materials). The efficiency of energy from waste: This is where heat produced by burning waste produces heat, driving a turbine to generate electricity. This indirect approach to generation currently has an efficiency of around 15-27%, albeit with a lot of potential for improvements. Five Benefits of Recycling: 1.Recycling reduces waste sent to landfills and incinerators. 2.Recycling prevents pollution. 3.Recycling conserves 4.natural resources. 5.Recycling conserves energy. 6.Recycling creates jobs, producing economic benefits. recycling important speech: Recycling is the need of the hour as pollution is at a peak, and it is very much important to control it as soon as possible. Recycling is one of the ways to minimize pollution, so it should be implemented in every country by creating proper awareness among the people and industries. The seven types of waste result in the acronym TIMWOOD (Transport, Inventory, Motion, Waiting, Overproduction, Overprocessing, Defects), which can still be found in older guidebooks. Power efficiency refers to a compute resource's ability to convert electrical power into useful work with minimal waste or loss. It's typically measured in tasks per watt (or watts per task) and is increasingly important for coping with power-limited data centers and achieving sustainable computing.

The Extended Producer Responsibility is an application of the polluter pays principle and is an environmental policy approach in which the producer’s responsibility for reducing environmental impact and managing the product is extended across the whole life cycle of the product, from selection of materials and design to its end-of-life, and especially for their take-back, recycling and disposal. The polluter is not necessary the person whose activities give rise to pollution, but rather the economic agent that plays a decisive role in the pollution, like the producer, rather than the polluter himself. The producers have primary responsibility under EPR, but sharing responsibilities across the product chain is an inherent part of EPR. While the policy tool is called Extended Producer Responsibility, it should be borne in mind that all actors in the product chain and in society must participate in order to optimise its effects. In France, the first to country to apply the policy to textile industries, the efficiency rate of EPR shows in the past 28 years, the recycling rate for household packaging waste has risen from 18% to 70%; in the past 13 years, the collection rate for household electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has risen from almost nothing to 53%, and 74% of waste collected is recycled into new materials or reused; in the past 20 years, the collection rate for batteries has risen from almost nothing to 49%, and 80% of waste collected is recycled into new materials. As a reminder, “recovery” includes “recycling” material and recovering energy. The rates claimed by the various schemes can be misleading. As shown above, recycling or recovery rates for material collected can be very impressive (WEEE, batteries, end-of-life vehicles, textiles, etc.). However, collection rates (relative to the quantity of a product sold in any given year) can be low: under 40% for furniture, around 50% for WEEE and batteries. Only a vague estimate for end-of-life vehicles can be made, as it is thought that between one-in-two and one-in-three cars never enter the compulsory collection scheme! EPR rules in their current form fail to prevent the continued production and sale of non-recyclable and difficult-to-recycle goods to consumers, without consequence to the manufacturers. Furthermore, EPR allows companies to avoid the sins of the past, leaving post-consumer waste that was sold and dumped in years prior as an ongoing concern, especially as plastics can take centuries to degrade. However, EPR holds strong potential to bring together the social, environmental, and economic costs of waste management, both in theory and in practice, and offers broad recommendations for efforts to support this alignment. The need for a new waste management model Extended producer responsibility (EPR) in France https://lnkd.in/eTYKHfPd

Recycling from EAF dust, Zinc ash (APC), Zinc concentrate Zinc oxide is a crucial material in various industries, particularly in steel production. To ensure a sustainable supply and minimize environmental impact, recycling Zn from zinc contain raw material is an essential solution. MP Group proudly offers top-tier services using advanced Waelz kiln technology. Zinc Oxide Recycling from High-Quality Raw Material At MP Group, the zinc oxide recycling process begins with using electric arc furnace EAF dust with a zinc content ranging from 18-35% as the raw materials. With a production capacity of up to 15,000 – 20,000 tons of raw material per month, we ensure a steady supply to meet the high demands of the market. 🔔 Waelz Kiln Technology – The Optimal Solution for Zinc Oxide Recycling MP Group employs Waelz kiln technology, one of the most advanced methods available today, to recycle zinc oxide from zinc contain raw materials such as EAF dust, zinc ash APC, zinc concentrate, zinc ore.. This technology not only optimizes zinc recovery but also minimizes waste generation, contributing to environmental protection. The Waelz kiln efficiently converts low-zinc-content materials into high-value zinc oxide products. 🔔 Waelz Kiln tecnology MP Group deploys the reliable Kiln technology that successfully processes over 80% of the world’s recycled zinc waste materials. The most of them are EAF dust, IF dust, zinc slag, zinc concentrated ore…. The Waelz Kiln process is an established, energy-efficient and resilient technology used to treat zinc containing materials and residues. 🔔 High-Quality Output Meeting International Standards The final product after recycling is crude zinc oxide (Waelz zinc odxide) powder with standard: Zn: 55-65% Cd: < 0.25% Cl: < 8% As: < 0.6% Our products not only meet strict quality standards but are also approved for import into demanding markets such as Japan, South Korea, Europe and China. 🔔 Continuous Quality Control – Ensuring Reliability The quality of MP Group’s output product is continuously monitored throughout the recycling process. We collaborate with reputable inspection agencies such as SGS, AHK, and CCIC to ensure that every product meets standards before reaching our customers. This commitment to quality not only reinforces our reliability but also gives our customers peace of mind when using MP Group’s products. 🔔 Benefits of Choosing Zinc Oxide Recycling Services at MP Group By choosing MP Group as your zinc oxide recycling partner, you not only contribute to environmental protection but also receive high-quality products with a stable supply that meets international standards. We are committed to providing sustainable solutions that optimize costs and deliver long-term economic value for your business. 🔔 Contact MP Group today to learn more about our zinc oxide recycling services and how we can help your business grow sustainably.

From the article below: The advantages for policymakers to mainly favour legislation for recycling are apparent: 1) Recycling already takes place; the technology exists and recycling machine producers promise to develop and produce even more effective sorting machines etc. for waste markets. 2) Recycling rates are low, which means that growth could be achieved easily by forcing the market players to organise higher recycling rates, so that new laws show an impact relatively quickly. 3) Recycling is one of the easiest methods to fulfil obligations concerning extended producer responsibility (EPR). With EPR, policymakers intend to make ‘producers responsible for the entire life cycle of the products that they introduce on the market, from their design until end of life (including waste collection and recycling)’. (OECD 2016) Producers do not need to do much to really be responsible for the circularity of their products. They just transfer money to the waste management sector to collect and recycle1. Increased recycling rates could be achieved and be shown as a success by policymakers, even though this does not mean a shift away from linear to circular economy. 4) Recycling can be carried out by the waste management sector; no real system change is needed. 5) Policymakers could always find positive examples of recycling to show to the public to give the impression of closing circles, though this might even for policymakers be a form of self-deception. The huge amount of material prevents them from seeing the real scale of the problem and enables them to ignore or defer it. 6) Recycling is an easy option, especially for the packaging waste that people are faced with daily. For policymakers, recycling efforts are therefore an easy way to show people that they care and to tell the story that, even though nothing has really changed, people can consume and carry on like always with a less guilty conscience. 7) Recycling packaging waste addresses the pollution problem of plastic waste, creating a win-win situation where two big public problems are tackled at once, avoiding resentment by the public. 8) Recycling production waste (called PIR) in the same production line is easy to realise and shows incredible recycling rates. This kind of waste can usually be sorted in pure fractions more easily compared to the mixed waste after consumption (called PCR) of a product when its life ends. PIR vs PCR need to be declared in any recycled content statment.

ANALYSIS OF Q1 JUNE 2024 GOOD RESULTS SECTOR ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS 3 ECO RECYCLING LTD PART 5 According to Data Bridge Market Research, e-waste market is expected to reach USD 167.22 Billion by 2030, which is USD 63.79 billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 12.80% during the forecast period.  Electronics are comprised of many complex materials like batteries, plastics, glass, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Cost and absence of regulations in some of the developed nations contribute to the mishandling of e-waste The demand for e-waste management will increase with escalating pressure for companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability According to Data Bridge Market Research, e-waste market is expected to reach USD 167.22 Billion by 2030, which is USD 63.79 billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 12.80% during the forecast period. o Electronics are comprised of many complex materials like batteries, plastics, glass, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals. o Cost and absence of regulations in some of the developed nations contribute to the mishandling of e-waste The consumer durables market may see annualised growth of 10 percent from 2022 to 2027, which could worsen the e-waste problem if not addressed now. If substances like lead and mercury are not disposed of properly, these elements causes health hazards. E-Waste Industry In India According to a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report for FY 2019-2020, India generated 1.01 million tons of e-waste for 21 types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Globally India ranks third in the e-waste generation, following China and the United States, with a rapid growth rate of 10%. Compounding the challenge, an overwhelming 85% of this escalating e-waste is managed by the unorganized sector & 15% by organized sector, mainly comprised of scattered scrap dealers throughout the country Precious Metal Recovery Potential In E-waste Besides curbing informal e-waste practices and preventing the introduction of harmful substances into the environment, embracing systematic recycling methods presents an opportunity to reclaim valuable metals such as gold, silver, palladium and platinum In E-waste, there are 17 precious metals that can be extracted technologically These metals become available for industries to use, promoting self-reliance. Implementation of scientific approaches allows to extract pure precious & rare earth metals, which can then be redeployed into circular ecosystem. Monetary Value in the Recovered Metals 2022 Total $14.7B

ARCHNITE TECHNOLOGIES wants to develop ARCHNITE DEEE, a sustainable solution to sorting, collecting and recycling plant facility for WEEEs (eWaste) located in the North-West region of Romania. ARCHNITE TECHNOLOGIES is looking for clients and partners in the ambitious project to develop in the North-West of Romania, situated in the Satu Mare county, at the conjunction of the borders of Hungary and Ukraine, a less industrialized region but with plenty of developmental opportunities and connections to Western and Central Europe. The ARCHNITE DEEE projects looks to resolve the issue of electronic waste management and the current microchip and semiconductors supply shortage, through a nationwide online platform to collect out-of-use electronic and electrical devices, appliances and equipments, as well through partnerships with NGOs and waste collectors from across Romania and as well from European and International partners. We will collect all kinds of medium and small WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipments) and provide value to them through material recovery and introduce them into the circuit of the circular economy. eWaste (WEEE) can become a resource from which the raw material is extracted for the production of new electrical and electronic devices and equipment as well as for the recovery of secondary raw materials with economic value: iron, aluminum, copper, plastic and glass. High-value compounds are also found in electronic boards - gold, silver, platinum, as well as rare metals: antimony, beryllium, indium, gallium, etc. By recovering significant amounts of secondary raw materials from WEEE, they have a high degree of recycling-reuse between 85-90%. The amount of WEEE that we could collect is about 720 tons annually, from which they can be extracted 705 tons of raw material and 235 kg precious metals. Our sustainable contribution through this project is to reduce as much as possible this negative impact on the environment and the benefits of recycling end-of-life equipment. The start of the WEEE recycling production will begin around Autumn 2024. Now we look for potential investors and partners who are interested in the field of circular economy, as we want to expand from the WEEE recycling sector for which last year we received state aid from the Romanian Ministry of Economy to other recycling solutions for plastic, aluminium, photovoltaic cells and other materials. For more informations, questions and details about the project you can contact us through the LinkedIn pages ARCHNITE TECHNOLOGIES and Răzvan Dascălu. Răzvan Dascălu, CEO of ARCHNITE TECHNOLOGIES ARCHNITE TECHNOLOGIES is a proud member of AmCham Romania #circulareconomy #WEEE #recycling #Romania #sustainablity #recycle #ewaste #greentech #greensolutions #RecyclingRomania #RecyclingEurope #wastemanagement #greenopportunity #SatuMare #Transylvania