An integrated life cycle assessment and cost analysis of the implications of implementing the proposed waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive

Abstract

This paper summarises the methodology and results generated as part of an integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost analysis of key elements of the draft proposal for an EC Directive on waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) commissioned by the UK Department of Trade and Industry. Eight products were analysed: refrigerator, washing machine, personal computer, vacuum cleaner, television, lawn mower, kettle and telephone. Three scenarios were investigated: the current situation in the UK; 100% landfilling of WEEE; and the draft proposed EU Directive requirements. The results of the study showed that for all products the Current UK scenario had less of an environmental impact than the 100% landfilling scenario. Also for six of the eight products, i.e. washing machine, PC, telephone, kettle, vacuum cleaner and lawnmower, the proposed WEEE Directive scenario was environmentally superior to the Current UK scenario; for the remaining two products-the refrigerator and TV-the result was less clear cut, with some environmental impacts being higher in the proposed WEEE Directive scenario. In terms of the life cycle financial analysis, it was generally concluded that the current UK Scenario was the most cost effective. Although the proposed WEEE Directive scenario also offered positive net values for many of the products at the assumed prices, it was considered that the existing markets are insufficient to enable the provisions in the Proposal to be met cost-effectively.