A methodology to optimize the recycling process of WEEE: Case of television sets and monitors

This work presents a new methodology for the selection and design of operations of a recycling system for electronic appliances, mainly television sets and monitors. The European Directive for "Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment" (WEEE) tries to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills which is one of the aims of the proposed system. In addition, a better use of the obtained materials is expected, making the process more profitable for small or medium enterprises. An example of its applicability, focused on the separation of the different materials of TV and monitors, is proposed. A specific treatment for different types of glass of cathode ray tubes is envisaged, due to its difficult reuse. Technical issues concerning the degree of the automation which could be applied to a recycling cell is studied, from the theoretical full automation of all the disassembling tasks, to a manual dismantling of components. This knowledge is used by the proposed methodology, which makes use of a decision support system for optimization purposes. Inputs for this system are the previous expertise of recycling companies, applicable regulations concerning WEEE, economic aspects like materials pricing, treatments costs, etc. A simulation software has been used to analyze the virtual prototype of the proposed solution. Finally, an economical assessment of the recycling process shows the feasibility of the methodology, which is complemented with a potential use of the obtained glass in a secondary market related to the construction sector.