Pre-processing of e-waste in Canada: Case of a facility responding to changing material composition

Abstract

The tracking of electronic waste (e-waste) flows through and within pre-processing facilities plays a crucial role in determining the fate of resources contained in e-waste. This study maps material and economic flows of e-waste through manual and mechanical processes at the pre-processing facility using material flow analysis. Both daily and annual material flows were accounted for, and daily flow outputs were also translated into economic flows. Each day the facility mainly processed printers and peripheral devices, laser cartridges, and refurbishable flatscreen displays. The main material outputs were glass, mixed plastics, and computer and communication wires containing copper. The most valuable products were refurbished goods and the highest revenue material was copper, whereas the highest cost item was glass from cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, due to its lead content. From 2016–2018 the facility received fewer CRT displays due to both global e-waste trends, by selling and trading CRTs to other Ontario pre-processors in exchange for flatscreen displays. This approach helped the facility to capitalize new specialized equipment for the processing of flat screens and reduced downstream leaded glass processing costs. The changing product and material profile of e-waste in Canada, and globally, needs advanced technological solutions by the pre-processors to maximize resource recovery in economically feasible manner. • The main products processed by the facility comprised IT & Telecommunication items. • The facility experienced a change in material and product profiles of incoming e-waste. • Investment in hi-tech equipment by the facility increased profits and gave competitive edge. • The most profitable products and materials were refurbished goods and copper. • The highest cost item was glass from cathode ray televisions due to lead content.