The dismantling time for products can vary enormously depending on whether or not they are designed for easy recycling. The overall cost of recycling will depend on many factors including dismantling time and therefore designers should consider what happens to their products at end-of-life.
For example:
• Design components / assemblies that can be easily dismantled into their equipment (PCBs, enclosures, etc.) and those that can be recycled separately and economically
• Removing screws is time consuming whereas plastic clips can be undone more quickly. Use as few screws as possible.
• Marking larger plastic parts with the type of plastic (and flame retardant) aids recycling of plastics. Single types have a value and can be sold whereas unidentified mixtures have very little value
• Avoid metal inserts in plastic mouldings, these reduce the value of the plastic to zero
• Avoid labels that are incompatible with recycling
• Consider metal housings, these are easier to recycle and the recycled metal has value, but avoid combining metals as much as is feasible. Steel, copper and aluminium have most value when free from each other
Weight is also an issue as WEEE has to be transported. Even if compliance is achieved through a compliance scheme, savings can be made by reducing the weight of equipment. Most schemes charge their members based on weight sold.
A few examples illustrate how design can simplify recycling:
• PCBs – attach to enclosures using plastic clips so that they can be easily, and quickly pulled out. Avoid metal screws
• Batteries – attach with clips, not soldered onto PCBs
• Although metals have higher value and are easier to recycle, they are often heavier and so increase transportation costs. It is better to use one type of plastic for the enclosure and any large mouldings, and do not attach labels or include metal inserts. Heat welding is preferable to adhesives. Recycled plastic scrap of one plastic type has the highest value.
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