Session 44 - Electric and electronic waste

[CEST2019_00958] WEEE preparing for reuse in Greece: potential and initiatives
by Abeliotis K., Boikou K., Kalafata K., Terzis E., Chroni C., Angelakopoulos Ch., Lasaridi K.

This paper presents one of the core deliverable reports of the LIFE-REWEEE project, the “Mapping Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) reuse and WEEE preparing for reuse practices and initiatives in Greece”. The main goal of this report was – for the first time in Greece – the development of a reliable and updated baseline regarding the current conditions on (W)EEE reuse and preparing for reuse in Greece (i.e. practices and initiatives). The study evolved into two parallel axes: i) Collection, assessment and analysis of data from reliable sources, and ii) Investigation of the impact of economic crisis in Greece on WEEE generation.

Session: 44, Room: B, at Sat, 09/07/2019 - 12:15 to 12:30
Oral presentation in Electric and electronic waste
[CEST2019_00869] From Refuse to Resource: E-Plastic as Building Material
by Latina H.N. ,Medina R.

The pursuit of the sustainable development goal of responsible consumption and production requires innovative multi-disciplinary approaches. These goals are achieved in the present work with the use of granulated plastic made from waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) panels as a substitute for sand in the production of concrete mixtures. The optimal amount of plastic added, curing time, and water-cement ratio were determined experimentally. Data show that a theoretical compressive strength of 17.68 MPa was achieved using a water-cement ratio of 0.45, 6% sand replacement and 19 days curing time. While this strength is already suitable for general construction purposes, this represents a 13.54-percent deterioration compared with conventional concrete. Thus, enhancement was done with the addition of arrowroot powder as organic admixture which improved the compressive strength to a level comparable to conventional concrete. These results reveal that E-plastics are technically viable process inputs in the production of building materials and provide a sustainable strategy for responsible consumption and production.

Session: 44, Room: B, at Sat, 09/07/2019 - 12:00 to 12:15
Oral presentation in Electric and electronic waste
[CEST2019_00444] Current state and challenges in WEEE recycling industry in Serbia
by Batinić B., Berežni I., Marinković T., Stanisavljević N.

Waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is defined as a special waste flow due to the fact that contains hazardous materials and should not be mixed and treat with other waste streams. In order to ensure adequate environmental protection and proper management of this waste flow, Serbia has harmonized its legislation in this field with the EU regulations. However, main objectives are still not implemented, mainly because undeveloped separate collection scheme and lack of advanced treatment technologies. Also, EPR principles are still not fully established, including issues in ensuring stabile financial support for treatment operators. In this paper, an overview of the current situation, as well as problems and challenges in the management of WEEE in Serbia, with the focus on the recycling industry, will be addressed.

Session: 44, Room: B, at Sat, 09/07/2019 - 11:45 to 12:00
Oral presentation in Electric and electronic waste
[CEST2019_00464] Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Luminophores Using the Red Alga Galdieria
by Čížková M., BiŠová K., zachleder V., Mezricky D., Rucki M. ,Vítová M.

The red alga Galdieria phlegrea was used as an experimental organism to test the bioaccumulation of rare earth elements (REEs) from luminophores. Algal cells were cultured mixotrophically in a liquid medium with addition of glycerol as a source of carbon. Luminophores from two different sources (fluorescence lamps and energy saving light bulbs) were added into the medium in the form of a powder. The cell number was monitored to follow the growth of the algal culture. The content of single REEs in the luminophores, and the biomass, were determined using ICP-MS. The most abundant element in both luminophores was yttrium, representing about 90% w/w. The growth of cultures grown in the presence of both luminophores was comparable with the control. The total amount of accumulated REEs in biomass differed with the type and concentration of luminophore used. The most abundant element accumulated in the biomass was lanthanum. To conclude, Galdieria phlegrea can grow in the presence of luminophores and accumulate REEs. The enriched biomass is a promising template for biotechnological applications.

Session: 44, Room: B, at Sat, 09/07/2019 - 12:30 to 12:33
Flash presentation in Electric and electronic waste
[CEST2019_00204] Development and promotion of the WEEE prevention culture in Greece
by Charitopoulou T., Vogiatzidaki E.E., Gkitzeni I., Mallıaris M.

WEEE streams challenge the goals towards a circular economy, since WEEE contain valuable and scarce resources that could be prepared for a second life or recovered. In the framework of the project LIFE REWEEE (LIFE14 ENV/GR/000858), Hellenic Recycling Agency (HRA) aims to raise awareness among stakeholders and consumers on the preference for reuse rather than consumption and recycling. A set of specifications have been prepared, applicable to the collection, storage, sorting of WEEE and to all stages of the preparing for reuse process. The specifications aim to provide an integrated legal framework in Greece and simultaneously a standard procedure for managing WEEE in order to encourage the reuse of WEEE as promoted by the Directive 2012/19/EU and the MD 23615/651/Ε.103/2014. Moreover, a Guide describing prevention and management practices of WEEE addressed to citizens was prepared, which provides information to the citizens concerning ways of extending appliances’ life and alternative treatment ways of WEEE. Finally, Repair Events were organized for citizens who had the opportunity to repair their appliances without cost and to be introduced in an attractive way to the WEEE prevention culture. This paper presents the HRA’s actions to promote reuse as well as restrictions faced and further actions.

Session: 44, Room: B, at Sat, 09/07/2019 - 11:30 to 11:45
Oral presentation in Electric and electronic waste