Abstract
This paper presents the results of a “preparation for reuse” trial of washing machines in Ireland. For the trial, a methodology for the quantitative assessment of potentially reusable appliances in the waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) stream is developed and applied to a statistically significant sample allowing the study to quantify a theoretical potential for the “preparation for reuse” of washing machines in the WEEE stream in Ireland under current collection conditions. For a statistically significant sample size, data on preparation for re-use trials conducted on B2C (Business-to-Consumer) WEEE was collected and reviewed. From the 23,129 appliances which were accepted into the trial, the study found that 327 of these washing machines were successfully prepared for reuse and sold back into the Irish market, leading to an overall reuse rate of 1.5%. A quantitative analysis of the trial data is presented with a complimentary qualitative evaluation which provides insights into the causes for this low reuse figure, the occurrence of specific repairs and recommended actions to address these.
Highlights
The increase in demand for consumer electronics is having a corresponding increase on the global demand for finite raw materials
Addressing the need for measuring and eventually setting targets for all types of re-use in the European Union (EU), the quantitative empirical case study described in this article assesses the potential of the washing machines returned in the Irish waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) stream for preparation for reuse based on primary data acquired across 23,129 machines collected and examined in Dublin, Ireland
A methodology for the quantitative assessment of preparation for re-use potential of LHA WEEE is developed. This methodology is applied to a 21-week empirical study at a WEEE collection point
Summary
The increase in demand for consumer electronics is having a corresponding increase on the global demand for finite raw materials. Re-use and preparation for re-use attempt to optimise the “use” phase of a product for greater resource efficiency, and is one method of addressing this unprecedented pressure on resources and manufacturing burdens through the extension of product lifetimes via reuse and refurbishment To help achieve this in Europe, the European Union (EU) has introduced the waste hierarchy as part of the waste framework directive, citing waste prevention (direct re-use) as the ideal waste management strategy, with preparation for re-use as the second preferred option for waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE), followed by recycling, recovery and disposal as subsequent tiers in the hierarchy. Addressing the need for measuring and eventually setting targets for all types of re-use in the EU, the quantitative empirical case study described in this article assesses the potential of the washing machines returned in the Irish WEEE stream for preparation for reuse based on primary data acquired across 23,129 machines collected and examined in Dublin, Ireland.
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