The Complete Technology Book on E-Waste Recycling (Printed Circuit Board, LCD, Cell Phone, Battery, Computers) 3rd Revised Edition ( ) ( Best Seller ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Author NPCS Board of Consultants & Engineers ISBN 978-81-7833-157-7
Code ENI288 Format Paperback
Price: Rs 1975   1975 US$ 53   53
Pages: 360 Published 2018
Publisher Asia Pacific Business Press Inc.
Usually Ships within 5 Days

The Complete Technology Book on E-Waste Recycling (Printed Circuit Board, LCD, Cell Phone, Battery, Computers)

Electronic waste or e-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices. Used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling or disposal are also considered as e-waste. With advancements in the electronic world almost occurring on a day-to-day basis and increased availability of products to the public, it is not surprising to see a staggering increase in the generation of electronic wastes over the past decade. The e-waste now represents the biggest and fastest growing manufacturing of wastes with as high as about 40 million tons a year at the global level. All these thing leads to increase in E-waste generation in the country.

 

Electrical and electronic equipment contain different hazardous materials which are harmful to human health and the environment, if not disposed of carefully. Due to the lack of awareness for e-waste recycling in emerging economies, innovation hubs and centres of excellence have not yet been established. This has leads to the requirement of a proper disposal and recycling system so that environmental pollution and health hazard is reduced. We have tried to give information in this book which will help in minimizing this ever growing problem.

 

Today the electronic waste recycling business is in all areas of the developed world a large and rapidly consolidating business. This recycling is done by sorting, dismantling, and recovery of valuable materials. This diversion is achieved through reuse and refurbishing.

 

This book aims at providing a thorough understanding and analysis of the E-Waste in the wake of evolving market dynamics. The book describes E-waste rules by Ministry of Environment and Forests. The book discusses the overview of the E-Waste Recycling along with their Classification, Composition, Recycling Process of different products and effects of E-waste on environment and human health. Also it contains suppliers contact details of plant & machinery with their photographs.

 

The book covers E-waste Recycling- An Introduction, Overview of WEEE/E-Waste Management, Hazardous Materials in E-Waste, E-Waste Management System Specifications, Recycling of E-Waste, Recycling of Printed Circuit Board, Recycling of Liquid Crystal Display, Cell Phones Recycling, Battery Recycling, Computer Recycling, Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive and Environmental Aspects.

 

 

It will be a standard reference book for Professionals, Decision-makers, Engineers, those Studying and Researching in this important area and others interested in the field of E-Waste Recycling. Professionals in academia and industry will appreciate this comprehensive and practical reference book, due to its multidisciplinary nature.

1. E-WASTE RECYCLING–AN INTRODUCTION
Composition of E-Waste
Components of E-Waste
Status of E-Waste in India
SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis of E-Waste Management
E-Waste Legislation in India
The Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2003
The Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Trails boundary Movement) Rules, 2008
Guideline for Environmentally Sound Management of E-Waste, 2008
The E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
Loopholes in Legislations
Integrated Product Policy
Sustainable Development
2. OVERVIEW OF WEEE/E-WASTE MANAGEMENT
Introduction
Mechanism of WEEE/E-waste Trade
WEEE/E-waste Life Cycle
WEEE/E-Waste Material Flow Model
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Phase IV
Components of WEEE/E-waste Management
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive in the European Union
Obligations of the Producer under the WEEE
Barriers to Recycling of WEEE
WEEE Health and Safety Implications
3. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN E-WASTE
Valuable Materials in E-Waste
Possible Hazardous Substances Present in E-Easte
Component Possible Hazardous Content
Glycol, Other Unknown Substances
Plastics Containing Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)
Insulation
Asbestos
Refractory Ceramic Fibers (RCFs)
Liquid Crystal Display (LCDs)
Components Containing Plasticisers/Stabilizers
Circuit Boards
Flame Retardants
Lead
Mercury
Beryllium
Capacitors
Electrolyte Capacitors
Capacitors Containing Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
4. E-WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Tentative Specifications for E-Waste Collection System
Tentative Specifications for E-waste Treatment System
Manual E-Waste Dismantling/Treatment Plant
Semi-Automatic E-Waste Dismantling/Treatment Plant
Automatic E-Waste Dismantling/Treatment Plant
Common Specifications for Utilities at Collection Centers and Processing Facilities
5. RECYCLING OF E-WASTE
Individual Processes
Crushing/Diminution
Size Classification
Magnetic Separation
Density Separation
Eddy Current Separation
Electrostatic Separation
Outputs and Markets
Metals
Glass
Plastics
Emerging Recycling and Recovery Technologies
Automated Disassembly
Comminution
Separation
Thermal Treatments
Hydrometallurgical Extraction
Dry Capture Technologies
Biotechnological Capture
Sensing Technologies
Design for Recycling and Inverse Manufacturing
E-Waste Segregation and Disposal Method
Structure and Main Steps in the Recycling Chain
Structuring of the Recycling Chain
6. RECYCLING OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
Composition of Printed Circuit Board
Characteristics of PCB Scrap
Density Differences
Magnetic and Electrical Conductivity Differences
Polyformity
Liberation Size
Chemical Reactivity
Electropositivity
Materials
Fabrication Process for Printed Circuit Process (PCB)
Mechanical Recycling Process of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
PCB Recycling of the Metal Fraction
Pyrometallurgy
Hydrometallurgy
Biometallurgy
Challenges and Future Trends
Dismantling
Recovery of Copper and Precious Metals
Recycling and Recovery of the Non-Metallic Materials
7. RECYCLING OF LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
Composition and Characterisation of LCDs
Barriers to Recycling of LCDs
Recycling Processes for Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)
Manual Disassembly
Manual Disassembly Processing for LCDs
Automated Processes for LCD Recycling
Automated Disassembly Processes for LCDs
Hazardous Materials in Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)
Environmental Concerns of LCD
Loss of Light Energy
Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Gases
Mercury Accumulation in End-of-Life Products
8. CELL PHONES RECYCLING
A Cell Phone Contains Just a Few Individual Parts
Harmful Substances in Mobile Phones
Cadmium
Lead
Lithium
Mercury
Process Overview
Collection and Transportation
Pre-Processing
Reuse of Phones
Reuse of Components
Recycling of Materials
I. Pre-treatment
II. Copper Recovery
III. Precious Metals Recovery
IV. Recovery Rate
9. BATTERY RECYCLING
Main Processing Routes
Pyrometallurgical Route
Hydrometallurgical Route
Metallurgical Aspects of Lead Recycling from Battery Scrap
Technical Steps in Battery Recycling
Dismantling of Battery Cases and Feed Preparation
Melting and Reduction Operation of Paste and Battery Fines
Melting of Grids, Terminals and Bridges
Refining of Crude Lead
Gas Cleaning System
10. COMPUTER RECYCLING
Composition of Computer
Recycling Process of Computers
Collection
Sorting, Processing and Reuse in Production
Removing the Large Objects
Test for Potential Reuse
Manual Disassembly
Separation into Material Composition
Disposal of Non-Recyclable Parts
Purchase of Products Made of Recycled Materials
11. RESTRICTION OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES DIRECTIVE
RoHS Compliance
The RoHS Directive and Proscribed Materials
RoHS Proscribed Materials
Lead
Brominated Flame Retardants
Cadmium, Mercury and Hexavalent Chromium
Benefits ROHS
Health Benefits
Reliability Concerns Unfounded
Flow Properties and Assembly
Some Exempt Products Achieve Compliances
12. E-WASTE RULES BY MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
Modified Draft Notification
General
Responsibilities
Procedure for Seeking Authorization and Registration for Handling E-wastes
Procedure for Registration with State Pollution Control Board
Reduction in the Use of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) in the Manufacture of Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Miscellaneous
Schedule-I
Schedule-II
Schedule-III
13. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
Effects on Environment and Human Health
Pollutants in E-Waste
Impact of Hazardous Substances on Health and Environment
Dealing with E-Waste
Management Options to Severity of the Problem
Responsibilities of the Government
Responsibility and Role of Industries
Responsibilities of the Citizen
Need for Stringent Health Safeguards and Environmental Protection Laws in India
14. ADDRESSES OF PLANT AND MACHINERY SUPPLIERS
15. PLANT AND MACHINERY PHOTOGRAPHS

16.  PLANT LAYOUT AND PROCESS FLOW SHEET DIAGRAM

E-Waste Recycling–An Introduction

E-waste comprises of wastes generated from used electronic devices and household appliances which are not fit for their original intended use and are destined for recovery, recycling or disposal. Such wastes encompasses wide range of electrical and electronic devices such as computers, hand held cellular phones, personal stereos, including large household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners etc. E-wastes contain over 1000 different substances many of which are toxic and potentially hazardous to the environment and human health, if not handled in an environmentally sound manner.

 

E-waste according to the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2010, means waste electrical and electronic equipment, whole or in part but not limited to equipment listed in Schedule 1 and scraps or rejects from their manufacturing and repair process, which is intended to be discarded.

 

The perception of e-waste is often restricted to a narrower sense, comprising mainly of end-of-life information - telecommunication equipment and consumer electronics. However, technically, electronic waste is only a subset of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).

 

Composition of E-Waste

 

Composition of e-waste is very diverse and differs in products across different categories. It contains more than 1000 different substances, which fall under “hazardous” and “non-hazardous” categories. Broadly, it consists of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, glass, wood plywood, printed circuit boards, concrete and ceramics, rubber and other items. Iron and steel constitutes about 50% of the e-waste followed by plastics (21%), non-ferrous metals (13%) and other constituents. Non-ferrous metals consist of metals like copper, aluminium and precious metals ex. silver, gold, platinum, palladium etc. The presence of elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, hexavalent chromium and flame-retardants beyond threshold quantities in e-waste classifies them as hazardous waste.

 

Components of E-Waste

 

E-waste has been categorized into three main categories, viz. Large Household Appliances, IT, Telecom and Consumer Equipment. Refrigerator and Washing Machine represent large household appliances, Personal Computer, Monitor and Laptop represent IT and Telecom, while Television represents Consumer Equipment. Each of these E-waste items has been classified with respect to twenty-six common components, which could be found in them. These components form the “Building Blocks” of each item and therefore they are readily “identifiable” and “removable”. These components are metal, motor/ compressor, cooling, plastic, insulation, glass, LCD, rubber, wiring/electrical, concrete, transformer, magnetron, textile, circuit board, fluorescent lamp, incandescent lamp, heating element, thermostat, BFR-containing plastic, batteries, CFC/HCFC/HFC/HC, external electric cables, refractory ceramic fibers, radio active substances and electrolyte capacitors (over L/D 25 mm).

 

SWOT Analysis

 

SWOT analysis is a structured planning method used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in E-waste Management. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. The SWOT analysis on e-waste and its management has been developed to provide the full awareness of the situation in the region, in order to guide on policy and guideline development, sustainable decision making and problem solving regarding e-waste management in the region.

 

Integrated Product Policy

 

Integrated product policy (IPP) is a public policy initiative which has been on the EU agenda since roughly the late 1990s and is concerned with the reduction of environmental impact associated with products and services. The purpose of the EC initiative was to harmonise varying environmental product policy strategies that were developing within the Community to minimise the environmental impact of their products at varying stages of the product life cycle: for example, take-back schemes, product labelling, taxes or other economic initiatives.

 

Sustainable Development

 

One of the objectives of the sixth EAP which implements the EU waste strategy was to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation and to bring about a situation where resources were used more efficiently and waste management was improved so that more sustainable patterns in production and consumption were established. The strategy is based on seven key challenges, and most relevant to this discussion are:

 

     •  to limit climate change;

     •  to limit the adverse effects of transport;

     •  to promote more sustainable modes of production and consumption and breaking the link between economic growth and environmental degradation;

     •  more responsible management of natural resources.

 

Overview of WEEE/E-Waste Management

 

WEEE/E-waste is a complex mixture of hazardous and non-hazardous waste requiring specialized segregation, collection, transport, treatment and disposal. Against this backdrop, this chapter overviews the collection and transport systems as key components driving the overall efficiency of WEEE/E-waste management systems. Since collection and transport are involved in each step of the material flow during WEEE/E-waste trade, each has been summarized below, followed by a description of the components of WEEE/E-waste management and elements of WEEE/E-waste collection and transport systems. These elements form the basis of WEEE/E-waste take-back systems. The stakeholders involved are also noted below, followed by guidance notes.

 

Mechanism of WEEE/E-waste Trade

 

Three elements encapsulate the mechanism of WEEE/E-waste trade, specifically:

 

    1.  Material flow

    2.  Life cycle

    3.  Geographical boundary

 

The following sections provide the basis for understanding the role of WEEE/E-waste collection and transport within waste management, from WEEE/E-waste generation through its transformation into new materials.

 

Components of WEEE/E-waste Management

 

Phases II, III and IV of the material flow model define the three major components of WEEE/E-waste management systems, namely:

 

    1.  WEEE/E-waste collection, sorting and transport systems

    2.  WEEE/E-waste treatment system

    3.  WEEE/E-waste disposal system

 

WEEE/E-waste collection, sorting and transport systems are the key link between WEEE/E-waste generation and treatment, reuse and disposal and these systems’ operational efficiency is dependent on their management systems and the stakeholders responsible for their management. Their respective management systems consist of producer and retailer take-back.

 

Barriers to Recycling of WEEE

 

One of the main barriers to recycling of WEEE by manufacturers is the distribution of WEEE in relation to the location of the manufacturing plant. Many WEEE manufacturers are based a significant distance from their markets and also from the resulting waste. This makes it difficult and expensive for them to operate take-back facilities specifically for their appliances.

 

Retailers and distributors are in the best position to collect WEEE, as old appliances can be collected when delivering the new ones, or people can take small appliances to their local store when buying/collecting a new appliance. The barriers to such schemes are that the retailers would need to carry the cost for collection points and provide storage facilities, which, apart from space constraints, would also have security and health and safety implications.

 

WEEE Health and Safety Implications

 

Electrical and electronic products contain a wide range of materials and some of these are known to present potential health and safety issues for workers involved in their treatment at end of life.

 

In recognition of the growing concerns around the use of brominated flame retardants, there have been moves by the industry to develop a coordinated approach to best practice. A good example of this approach is given by the Voluntary Emissions Control Action Programme (VECAP), which was established by the brominated-flame-retardant industry. VECAP was set up to manage, monitor and minimise industrial emissions of brominated flame retardants into the environment through partnership with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

 

Hazardous Materials in E-Waste

 

Electrical and electronic equipment contain different hazardous materials which are harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of carefully. While some naturally occurring substances are harmless in nature, their use in the manufacture of electronic equipment often results in compounds which are hazardous (e.g. chromium becomes chromium VI). The following list gives a selection of the mostly found toxic substances in e-waste.

 

Valuable Materials in E-Waste

 

Electrical and electronic equipment contain various fractions of valuable materials. Most of the valuable substances are found in printed circuit boards, which occur in relevant quantities mainly in the categories Office, Information and Communication Equipment as well as Entertainment and Consumer Electronics. Besides well known precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium also scarce materials like indium and gallium start to play an important role, due to their application in new technologies (e.g flat screens, photovoltaics).

 

POSSIBLE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES PRESENT IN E-WASTE

Component Possible Hazardous Content

     •  Metal

     •  Motor\Compressor

     •  Cooling ODS

     •  Plastic Phthalate plasticize, BFR

     •  Insulation ODS in foam, asbestos, refractory ceramic fiber Glass

     •  CRT Lead, Antimony, Mercury, Phosphors

     •  LCD Mercury

     •  Rubber Phthalate plasticizer, BFR

     •  Wiring / Electrical Phthalate plasticizer, Lead, BFR

 

Glycol, Other Unknown Substances

The substances within the above mentioned components, which cause most concern, are the heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium, halogcnatcd substances (e.g. CFCs), polychlorinated biphenyls, plastics and circuit boards that contain brominated flame retardants (BFRs). BFR can give rise to dioxins and furans during incineration. Other materials and substances that can be present are arsenic, asbestos, nickel and copper. These substances may act as a catalyst to increase the formation of dioxins during incineration. The description about some of these substances where uncertainty exists regarding their “level of concern” based on literature review are given below.

 

Components Containing Plasticisers/Stabilizers

 

The concerns here include the use of phthalate plasticizers and lead stabilizers in plastics and rubbers. For example, dibutyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate are considered “Toxic for Reproduction” at concentrations >=0.5%.

 

Circuit Boards

 

While most boards are typically 70% non metallic, they also contain about 16% copper, 4% solder and 2% nickel along with iron, silver, gold, palladium and tantalum. Approximately 90% of the intrinsic value of most scarp boards is in the gold and palladium content. Consequently, traditional reprocessing of circuit boards has concentrated on the recovery of metals values. Some of the components found in circuit boards are described below.

 

Mercury

 

It is estimated that 22% of the yearly world consumption of mercury is used in electrical and electronic equipment (ex. in fluorescent lamps). Its use in EEE has declined significantly in recent years. It has been used in thermostats, (position) sensors, relays and switches (ex. on printed circuit boards and in measuring equipment), batteries and discharge lamps.

 

Furthermore, it is used in medical equipment, data transmission, telecommunications, and mobile phones. The estimated concentration level of mercury in computers is 0.002%.

 

Beryllium

 

Copper beryllium alloys are used in electronic connectors where a capability for repeated connection and disconnection is desired, and thus where solder is not used to make a permanent joint. Such connectors are often gold plated, so that copper oxide is not created on their surfaces, and does not form a non-electrically conductive barrier between the two connectors. A second use of beryllium in the electronics industry is as beryllium oxide, or beryllia. Beryllia transmits heat very efficiently, and is used in heat sinks.

 

Capacitors Containing Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

 

PCBs were extensively used in electrical equipment such as capacitors and transformers. Their use in open applications was widely banned in 1972 in Europe and they have not been used in the manufacture of new equipment since 1986. Capacitors containing PCBs fall into two categories, according to size. Small capacitors were used in fluorescent/ other discharge lamps and also with fractional horsepower motors used in domestic and light-industrial electrical equipment. Large capacitors were used for power factor correction and similar duties.

 

 

E-Waste Management System Specifications

 

This chapter describes the E-waste management system specifications of the technology proposed and its financial viability. In this chapter, at first, specifications of E-waste collection and transportation system has been described followed by specification of 1st and 2nd level of E-waste treatment. These specifications are based on the technical specifications, which are used globally and the cost estimates from international plant and equipment suppliers.

 

Tentative Specifications for E-Waste Collection System

 

The volume of E-waste item to be collected and transported till 2020 based on E-waste inventory estimates in Phnom Penh is given in table 1. This is based on 50% availability of E-waste for recycling.

 

Depending upon the type of E-waste, different types of bins/cages will be used as shown in figure 1. The collected E-waste in container will be lifted manually, through fork lifts, placed into small trucks/container carriers and transported from the collection facility to E-waste treatment facility.

 

Tentative Specifications for E-waste Treatment System

 

E-waste treatment facility will consist of 1st and 2nd level E-waste treatment. After 1st and 2nd level E-waste treatment, E-waste fractions will be sold/ exported to 3rd level recyclers for precious metals recovery. The installed capacity of the 1st and 2nd level plant has been conceptualized to be about 9 tons per day during 2009 to 32 tons per day during 2019 considering 50% collection efficiency.

 

Common Specifications for Utilities at Collection Centers and Processing Facilities

 

E-waste storage areas/ Hazardous waste storage areas/ Product storage areas should follow following basic design principles.

 

    1.  Sites for storage (including temporary storage) of E-waste prior to their treatment should have impermeable surface for appropriate areas with the provision of spillage collection facilities and where appropriate, decanters and cleanser-degreasers.

    2.  Sites for storage (including temporary storage) of E-waste prior to their treatment should have weatherproof covering for appropriate areas.

    3.  Some spare parts (e.g. motors and compressors) will contain oil and/or other fluids. Such part must be appropriately segregated, end stored in containers that are secured such that oil and other fluids cannot escape from them These containers must be stored on an area with an area with an Impermeable surface and a sealed drainage system.

    4.  Waste Oil should be either reused or incinerated in common hazardous waste incineration facilities.

 

Recycling of E-Waste

 

Individual Processes

 

One of the most common pieces of equipment used for initial crushing and shredding is a hammer mill. Hammer mills accomplish size reduction by impacting a slow moving target with a rapidly moving hammer. The target has little or no momentum (low kinetic energy), whereas the hammer tip is travelling at rates of typically up to 7000 m min–1 and higher (high kinetic energy).

 

Material disintegration may also be effected by the use of metal crushers which have low specific energy consumption and offer high operational immunity to the presence of solid pieces and may be also used as a pre-stage prior to shredding.

 

Size Classification

 

Screeners are sifting units that are rotated as powder is fed into their interior. The finer particles fall through the sieve opening and oversized particles are ejected off the end. Rotary sifters or drum screeners are often used for de-agglomerating or de-lumping type operations. Screeners are available in three main types: drum sifter, rectangular deck and round deck.

 

Magnetic Separation

 

Magnetic separators such as low-intensity drum types are widely used for the recovery of ferromagnetic materials from non-ferrous metals and other non­magnetic materials. There have been many advances in the design and operation of high-intensity magnetic separators due mainly to the introduction of rare-earth alloy permanent magnets with the capability of providing high field strengths and gradients. For WEEE, magnetic separation systems utilise ferrite, rare-earth or electromagnets, with high-intensity electromagnet systems being used extensively and which are particularly suited to materials fed to the underside of drum magnets; see Figure 3.

 

Density Separation

 

Several different methods may be deployed to separate heavier fractions from lighter ones, the basis being the difference in density to enable such. Gravity concentration separates materials of different specific gravity by their relative movement in response to the action of gravity and one or more other forces, such as the resistance to motion offered by water or air. The motion of a particle in a fluid is dependent not only upon the particle’s density, but also on its size and shape; large particles are affected more than smaller ones. In practice, close size control of feeds to gravity separation equipment is required in order to minimise size effects and render the relative motion of the particle gravity dependent.

 

 

Electrostatic Separation

 

The rotor type electrostatic separator, using corona charging, may be utilised to separate raw materials into conductive and non-conductive fractions. The extreme difference in the electrical conductivity or specific electrical resistance between metals and non-metals affords an excellent pre-condition for the successful implementation of a corona electrostatic separation in recycling of waste. Electrostatic separation has been mainly used for the recovery of copper or aluminium from chopped electric wires and cables and, more specifically, for the recovery of copper and precious metals from printed circuit board scrap; see Figure 4.

 

Metals

 

As noted previously, metals constitute the most valuable and easiest-to-recycle materials. A recent study concluded that ‘There appear to be no major difficulties concerning the recovery and recycling of metals from WEEE. Metals also constitute the largest weight of materials in WEEE, around 47% overall for small mixed WEEE. Current recycling processes are capable of recovering <95% of the in-feed metals.

 

Plastics

 

On average plastics constitute approximately 20% of collected WEEE. A number of distinct materials streams are produced from WEEE recycling. Some from segregated appliance types are fairly homogeneous and can be recycled. The plastics stream from mixed WEEE processing contains a large number of different polymers that are difficult to separate - according to a recent study ‘Data from literature seems to confirm that at present plastic output streams from WEEE recycling operations are mostly not recovered, but are landfilled together with other residue streams’.

 

Automated Disassembly

 

Disassembly is seen by many as an essential element, even for relatively well-defined input streams, if value is to be extracted. The high labour burden of this stage is driving research into automated techniques. In automating the process the main issues to be addressed are: imaging, recognition and robotics. Demands on these are reduced by attention to upstream issues.

 

Separation

 

Efficient separation is a prime requirement for effective WEEE recycling, and can reduce reliance on dismantling. A range of sorting systems is available for separating materials in general scrap, after comminution, according to properties such as weight, size, shape, density and electrical and magnetic characteristics. Some research groups are carrying out characterisation studies in order to determine costs, and to optimise the level of particle size from the comminution process. Although new techniques are being developed, much of the novelty in WEEE separation is expected to emerge from adapting existing techniques, and from novel combinations. Initially this is usually for specific input streams, but more sophisticated routes are being developed to handle a wider variety of input items.

 

Thermal Treatments

 

Thermal treatments have the advantages of greatly reducing bulk and avoiding liquid effluent for the primary recycler. Pyrometallurgical routes are suitable for the recovery of metal values. There are established operators in place who incinerate the non-metallic content to produce ash, which can be used as feedstock in the pyrometallurgical processes. The final products tend to be partly refined metal ingots, such as ferrous, aluminium, mixed Pb/Sn and, most importantly, a copper-rich precious metals mix, which require further treatment by specialist refiners. Continuing research into these methods could improve the quality of metals recovered.

 

Hydrometallurgical Extraction

 

Hydrometallurgy offers the possibility to achieve more selective metal recovery and to reach higher recycling percentage targets. Indeed these methods are often used by specialist refiners of precious metals following initial pyrometallurgical extraction. However, future research must address the need to avoid the use of hazardous materials production of secondary waste streams.

 

Recycling of Printed Circuit Board

 

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) can be found in any piece of electrical or electronic equipment: nearly all electronic items, including calculators and remote control units, contain large circuit boards; an increasing number of white goods, as washing machines contains circuit boards for example in electronic timers. PCBs contain metals, polymers, ceramics and are manufactured by sophisticated technologies.

 

All electric and electronic equipment, and have revolutionized the electronics industry. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate, employed in the manufacturing of business machines and computers, as well as communication, control and home entertainment equipment.

 

Composition of Printed Circuit Board

 

PCBs are platforms on which integrated circuits and other electronic devices and connections are installed. Typically PCBs contain 40% of metals, 30% of organics and 30% ceramics. Bare PCB platforms represent about 23% of the weight of whole PCBs. However there is a great variance in composition of PCB wastes coming from different appliances, from different manufacturers and of different age.

 

PCBs contain large amount of copper, solder and nickel along with iron and precious metals: approximately 90% of the intrinsic value of most scrap boards is in the gold and palladium content. However the board laminate mainly consists of a glass fibre reinforced thermosetting matrix which actual legislation imposes to be also conveniently recycled or recovered.

 

Characteristics of PCB Scrap

 

PCB scrap is characterised by significant heterogeneity and relatively high complexity, albeit with the levels of complexity being somewhat greater for populated scrap boards. As has been seen in respect of materials composition, the levels of inorganics, in particular, are diverse, with relatively low levels of precious metals being present as deposited coatings of various thicknesses in conjunction with copper, solders, various alloy compositions, non-ferrous and ferrous metals. In spite of the inherent heterogeneity and complexity, there are differences in the intrinsic physical and chemical properties of a broad spectrum of the materials and components present in scrap PCBs, and indeed electronic scrap as a whole, to permit recycling approaches in separating such into their individual fractions.

 

Chemical Reactivity

 

Hydrometallurgical approaches depend on selective and non-selective dissolution to realise a complete solubilisation of all the contained metallic fractions within scrap PCBs. Whilst all hydrometallurgical approaches clearly benefit from prior comminution, such is primarily undertaken to reduce bulk volume and to expose a greater surface area of contained metals to the etching chemistry. Selective dissolution approaches may utilise high-capacity etching chemistries based on cupric chloride or ammonium sulfate for copper removal, nitric acid-based chemistries for solder dissolution and aqua regia for precious metals dissolution, whilst non-selective dissolution may be carried out with either aqua regia or chlorine-based chemistry.

 

PCB Recycling of the Metal Fraction

 

Despite the fluctuant average scrap composition amongst the various WEEE, cell phones, calculators and PCB scraps reveal that more than 70% of their value depends on their high content in metals. Metallurgical recovery of metals from WEEE is therefore a matter of relevance and underlining three possible approaches: Pyrometallurgy, Hydrometallurgy and Biometallurgy.

 

Pyrometallurgy

 

Some techniques used in mineral processing could provide alternatives for recovery of metals from electronic waste. Traditional, pyrometallurgical technology has been used for recovery of precious metals from WEEE to upgrade mechanical separation which cannot efficiently recover precious metals. In the processing the crushed scraps are burned in a furnace or in a molten bath to remove plastics, and the refractory oxides form a slag phase together with some metal oxides. Further, recovered materials are retreated or purified by using chemical processing.

 

Hydrometallurgy

 

A bench-scale extraction study was carried out on the applicability of hydrometallurgical processing routes to recover precious metals from PCBs in mobile phones. An oxidative sulfuric acid leach dissolves copper and part of the silver; an oxidative chloride leach dissolves palladium and copper; and cyanidation recovers the gold, silver, palladium and a small amount of the copper. To recover the metals from each leaching solution, precipitation with NaCl was preferred to recuperate silver from the sulfate medium; palladium was extracted from the chloride solution by cementation on aluminum; and gold, silver and palladium were recovered from the cyanide solution by adsorption on activated carbon. The optimized flowsheet permitted the recovery of 93% of the silver, 95% of the gold and 99% of the palladium.

 

Biometallurgy

 

Biotechnology is one of the most promising technologies in metallurgical processing. Microbes have the ability to bind metal ions present in the external environment at the cell surface or to transport them into the cell for various intracellular functions. This interaction could promotes selective or non-selective in recovery of metals. Bioleaching and biosorption are the two main areas of biometallurgy for recovery of metals. Bioleaching has been successfully applied for recovery of precious metals and copper from ores for many years.

 

Recycling and Recovery of the Non-Metallic Materials

 

According to their applications and properties, synthetic polymers can be classified as plastic, rubber, fiber, adhesive, etc. Plastics include thermoplastic plastics and thermoset plastics. Plastics consist of resin, filler and addition agents. In general, the fillers for polymers have two functions: one is to reduce the cost of the products, and the other is to enhance the performance of the products. Sometimes the properties of fillers are crucial to the performance of polymer products, especially for composites. The invention of glass fiber reinforced composites has great influence on space aeronautical industry and other industries. Nowadays, superior performance fillers play a key role in high-tech material areas. Therefore, how to take advantage of filler for polymer products is a significant topic.

 

Recycling of Liquid Crystal Display

 

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) has given a new demarcation to the display devices and have become the dominant technology in televisions and monitor in our homes and offices. The liquid crystals are used to display image in thin, light computer. It has replaced conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. The CRTs were preferred for their superior colour presentation by graphics and photography professionals. The constant improvements in LCDs technology have, however, made the performance nearly comparable and the differences less noticeable. However, as yet the electronic recycling industry has only received low volumes of LCDs are still in their working phase.

 

LCD monitors are apparently projected as environmental friendly, energy efficient in comparison to lead subjugated CRT models. However, LCD displays fail to reduce the impacts of mercury and arsenic which have serious concerns to environment and human health. Mercury is hazardous and requires special mandatory disposal mechanism in various countries.

 

 

Barriers to Recycling of LCDs

 

LCDs in common with CRTs are classed as hazardous waste under the WEEE Directive. The Directive requires that this form of WEEE must be separately collected and that hazardous components listed in the Directive’s Annex II must be removed during treatment.

 

Manual Disassembly Processing for LCDs

 

The release of mercury from lamp breakage is a primary environmental concern for approved authorised treatment facilities (AATF) engaged in LCD recycling. With little data on the fate of mercury released from CCFL lamps available to the recycling industry, it has been reluctant to tackle end-of-life LCD disassembly, preferring in many instances to stockpile waste LCDs pending a recycling solution.

 

The need for mercury protection is not limited solely to the disassembly process of LCDs but extends in both directions in the waste hierarchy from upstream LCD collection to downstream final recovery or disposal of components. The collection of damaged equipment with broken backlights from a designated collection facility to the delivery of mercury bearing lamp waste for specialist mercury recovery are potential mercury release issues for the industry AATF. The development of an environmental management protocol (EMP) extending from the AATF to include all stakeholders involved in the logistics of waste LCD recycling is therefore a key factor in mitigating mercury release.

 

Hazardous Materials in Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)

 

The EU WEEE Directive classes LCD equipment as hazardous, requiring selective removal and treatment of components listed in Annex II of the Directive. These components are as follows:

 

     •  LCD panels with a surface area MOO cm2;

     •  mercury-containing backlights;

 

Hazardous Gases

 

LCD display cannot be considered as green product. Various hazardous gasses are used in manufacturing the products. Some of the gases and chemicals used for manufacturing process of LCD, are potentially dangerous. The TFT-LCD manufacturing processes utilize significant amount of gases for thin-film deposition and etching. These include silane, phosphine, ammonia, and hydrogen for polycrystalline silicon and silicon nitride thin film deposition in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) reaction chamber. In addition, nitrogen trifluoride or fluorine is used in the PECVD chamber cleaning. Chlorine and sulfur hexafluoride are used in the dry etching of thin film. The hazards of these gases can be classified as pyrophoric, flammable and oxidizing gases.

 

 

Cell Phones Recycling

 

Rapid technology change, low initial cost, and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast-growing surplus, which contributes to the increasing amount ofelectronic waste around the globe. Recyclers consider electronic waste a “rapidly expanding” issue.

 

A cell phone’s shelf life is only about 24 months for the average consumer. This means that newer cell phone models are constantly put up on the market to replace older ones. This is as a result of the rapid progression of technology in the mobile industry. According to Matt Ployhar of Intel, the industry is rapidly evolving, possibly even at “Moore’s law pace or faster.” This means that newer cell phone models are continually on the rise of consumerism and more outdated models are likely to end up in landfills.

 

A Cell Phone Contains Just a Few Individual Parts

 

     •  A circuit board containing the brains of the phone

     •  An antenna

     •  An Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen

     •  A keyboard

     •  A microphone

     •  A speaker

     •  A battery

 

Harmful Substances in Mobile Phones

 

Chemicals released from mobile phones in landfill can include antimony, arsenic, beryllium, copper, lead, nickel, mercury, manganese, lithium, zinc and cadmium. Even in small amounts, these hazardous chemicals can cause environmental contamination, affecting waterways and wildlife. They can also cause a variety of serious health issues in humans if released into the environment.

 

Cadmium

 

This poisonous heavy metal is known to cause lung and prostate cancer, and is toxic to the gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys, and the respiratory, cardiovascular and hormonal systems. Cadmium is considered the seventh most dangerous substance known to humankind.

 

Lead

 

Lead is a suspected carcinogen, a known hormone disruptor, and can damage almost every organ and system in the human body, particularly the nervous system. Lead has been indicated as a cause of decreased mental ability, developmental delays, behavioural disorders and reproductive defects.

 

 

Mercury

 

When inorganic mercury enters the environment, it is deposited in soil and water. Micro-organisms transform inorganic mercury into organic mercury compounds, such as methylmercury. Methylmercury can bioaccumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms, particularly fish living in polluted waters, and the people who then eat those fish. Mercury is a recognized developmental toxin, and it is also a suspected hormone disruptor, neurotoxin, reproductive toxin and respiratory toxin.

 

Reuse of Phones

 

As mentioned earlier, there are two opportunities for phone reuse: reuse “as is” and “refurbish.” Some of the EoL phones go through data clearance and basic functional and cosmetic tests. If a phone passes the test, it will be reused “as is tested.” If it does not pass the test and requires repair, it will be refurbished as long as it is economical. Obviously, refurbishment is viable only if the expected resale value is higher than the cost of refurbishment process, which is much longer than the reuse process. Some phones are not tested at all and are just sold as “untested.”

 

Recycling of Materials

 

Recycling is defined as the processes for material recovery. Technically, all materials that are present in a given feedstock can potentially be recovered, but it does not usually happen in reality. Usually only the materials that bring economic profit are recovered. In the case of cell phones, the profitable materials are precious metals and some base metals including copper. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, “recycling” or “material recovery” in this paper means precious metals and copper recovery. Generally, intermediate or secondary e-waste recyclers collect and pre-treat EoL cell phones, then send them to large-scale primary metal smelters and refineries for metal recovery.

 

Battery Recycling

 

Batteries are the power source for portable electrical and electronic devices, hence the use and discharge of batteries is growing all over the world along with such devices. Batteries are part of a variety of electrical and electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile phones, laptops, toys, cordless phones, tools, etc.

 

Although batteries are a component of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) they must be recycled separately. They might be removable or fixed inside EEE, but should be disassembled and recycled by specific processes. Consumers and recyclers might not be aware of the existence of built-in batteries. The separation of the batteries from the EEE is costly because it is done manually, nevertheless the recyclers should not neglect this important operation.

 

 

Main Processing Routes

 

Battery recycling processes are composed basically of two main steps: waste preparation and metallurgical processing. The waste preparation step begins with the screening of the waste, segregating it by chemical type. The sorting might be composed of several steps in order to improve the separation efficiency. These steps might contain manual segregation and segregation using pieces of equipment developed specially for this operation. The pieces of equipment developed to this end apply several techniques, for example: mechanical separation, magnetic separation, X-ray images, optical sensors to read bar codes located on the waste material.

 

Pyrometallurgical Route

 

Pyrometallurgy is characterized by the use of high temperature processes. Hence, the pyrometallurgical recycling processes use high temperature to process wastes aiming at the reclamation of the target metals. During heat treatment of battery waste, several reactions may take place such as decomposition of compounds, reduction and evaporation of metals or compounds.

 

All pyrometallurgical processes for the recycling of batteries have in common the evaporation of a metal to segregate it from the other materials that have higher boiling points. Therefore, the goal of these processes is to evaporate Hg, Zn and/or Cd.

 

Technical Steps in Battery Recycling

 

In developing countries lead-acid battery scrap is normally processed in rotary drum furnaces using liquid fuel as energy source. Lead bearing feed materials are either whole battery packs (grids and paste) where the separators have been removed or two separate fractions a) grid metal only and b) paste and other fines

 

Dismantling of Battery Cases and Feed Preparation

 

Used batteries are emptied by hand and the acid is collected in plastic barrels. If the full barrels are kept motionless for some time, solid impurities will settle at the bottom of the barrels. This process of sedimentation may be assisted by adding some flocculent. The purified acid is then decanted and packed for sale. Possible customers for the recycled acid is the mining and metallurgical industry which uses acid in various leaching operations. The remaining battery sludge is neutralised with lime. After passing through a filter press the filter cake may be charged together with the fine fraction into the melting and reduction furnace.

 

Melting and Reduction Operation of Paste and Battery Fines

 

The filter or sun baked cake of paste is charged to a short rotary drum furnace where the charge is melted together with slag forming constituents (soda ash = Na2CO3) and reaction additives (Fe-swarf, coal).

 

Depending on the temperature and the amount of feed material in the furnace, the reaction time will be 2-3 h. Due to the difference in specific weight the molten lead produced settles at the bottom part of the furnace. When enough lead has accumulated, it is tapped into a mobile ladle and transported in liquid stage to the refining kettle.

 

Melting of Grids, Terminals and Bridges

 

The coarse fraction of the crushed battery scrap is fed to a crucible furnace, melting kettle or rotary drum furnace. By adding a bit of soda ash the charge is melted and stirred for some while. During this operation insoluble impurities will settle on top of the melt and join the soda ash slag, which is skimmed off at the end of the melting operation. Gases and flue dust from the process are soaked away and passed over to the gas cleaning system.

 

Refining of Crude Lead

 

First, the lead tapped from the furnace has to be cleaned from residual oxides and slag. For that purpose a bit of pitch and saw dust is added. After stirring for a while the impurities settle at the surface and are skimmed off.

 

Crude lead originating from battery scrap is normally alloyed with copper and antimony (with traces of Ca, Sn, As, Zn). In order to remove the unwanted elements two further refining operations have to be carried out.

 

Gas Cleaning System

 

Due to the lack of environmental legislation and monitoring, and due to lack of funds industrial operations in developing countries often have very poor emission control and off-gas cleaning systems. Because of the hazardous potential of the majority of the elements and compounds which are involved in lead smelting and refining (Pb, Sb, As, SO2, etc.), a certain gas cleaning standard must be achieved and should be compulsory.

 

Computer Recycling

 

A computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Since a sequence of operations can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.

 

Computer recycling is the recycling of computers and any other electronic devices. Recycling is the complete deconstruction of electronic devices in order to cut down on mining the raw materials and rather extract the materials from old and obsolete electronics. With technological developments taking place at such a fast pace today, our electronic devices, especially our personal computers, become obsolete very quickly.

 

Composition of Computer

 

Computers contain substantial amounts of substances that are harmful to the environment and living things. The following are some of the well-known and potentially dangerous substances:

     •  brominated flame retardants: used in the plastic cases and cables of computers to reduce the flammability of the electronic set, and has been found to affect nervous system, thyroid and liver health in both humans and animals;

 

     •  lead: used in cathode ray tube (CRT), glass in computer monitor, as well as in soldering of parts in the computer, and has been found to cause damages to the nervous and brain system;

 

     •  mercury: used in flat screen monitors, fluorescent tubes etc, and has been found to reduce mental abilities, fertility and even cause death.

 

Recycling Process of Computers

 

The computer recycling process follows the general process of recycling - collection, sorting, processing and use in the manufacture of new products that are then purchased by consumers.

 

Collection

 

This stage of the process of recycling computers involves the transfer of the unwanted computer from its owner to the recycling company. In the first step of the recycling process, the recyclables materials are collected. The methods of collection may vary from community to community. There are several different ways by which recyclables can be collected from households, offices etc, for recycling.

 

Removing the Large Objects

 

The commingled recyclates are first spread out. Machineries like the conveyor belt may be used. Large pieces of cardboard or plastic bags are easily removed by hand. Removing these large objects also prevent them from jamming the machineries that may be used later down the line.

 

Manual Disassembly

 

If the cost of refurbishing a particular set greatly outweighs the expected selling price of a functional computer set, then that set is most likely to be taken apart into its basic components, for example, the hard disks, DVD drives, modem, speakers, sound or graphic cards, etc. This disassembly process is usually carried out manually, by trained personnel so as to protect the usability of the components.

 

The functioning components are then sold, for example to consumers looking for good second hand deals, or even to computer manufacturers for refurbishment and use in the manufacture of computer sets.

 

Separation into Material Composition

 

With the reusable and hazardous components of the computer sets removed, the remains of the computer sets are further broken down by material composition, for example, plastic (e.g casing), wires, metals, circuit boards etc, in the process of recycling computers.

 

Disposal of Non-Recyclable Parts

 

Whatever remains that cannot be recycled are then disposed of - sent to a landfill or incinerator.

 

Purchase of Products Made of Recycled Materials

 

For the recycling loop to be closed there must be demand for goods that are made from recycled materials or items. That means that the process of recycling computers must include this final stage where computer sets, assembled using refurbished computer components, or made out of recycled computer materials, are being marketed and sold in the market, and finally purchased by consumers.

 

Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive

 

The RoHS Directive stands for “the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment”. This directive is only practiced in the European Union. A RoHS compliant product means that electrical and electronic equipment cannot contain more than maximum permitted levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) starting on July 1, 2006.

 

The RoHS Directive and Proscribed Materials

 

The RoHS Directive proscribes substances that are hazardous and that pose serious environmental problems during the disposal and recycling of WEEE. In line with the similar requirements of the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, the targeted substances are the heavy metals mercury, lead, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, as well as polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and two polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

 

Lead

 

The proscription of lead has caused significant concerns for electronics manufacturers. Although there are numerous ‘lead-free’ solders available, there are many issues that need to be addressed before they can be successfully implemented as viable alternatives. These issues include, amongst others, the compatibility of new solders with printed circuit board and component finishes, the ability of existing materials and equipment to handle higher soldering temperatures and the selection and supply of components that can survive higher soldering temperatures and give long-term reliability.

 

Brominated Flame Retardants

 

Brominated flame retardants, in isolation or in combination with antimony trioxide, perform a valuable function in preventing fires and it is important to note, therefore, that the RoHS Directive does not proscribe the use of all brominated flame retardants but just two particular types. These are poly-brominated biphenyls and two examples of the polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

 

Cadmium, Mercury and Hexavalent Chromium

 

These three metals can occur in a wide range of applications in electronics and in this respect they are perhaps more troublesome from a compliance perspective since there are so many potential, and sometimes unexpected, applications.

 

List of categories of equipment that will need to comply with RoHS legislation.

 

The list of products below each category heading is illustrative and not exhaustive.

 

     •  Consumer equipment Such as radio sets; television sets; video cameras; video recorders; hi-fi recorders; audio amplifiers; musical instruments; other products or equipment for the purpose of recording or reproducing sound or images, including signals or other technologies for the distribution of sound and image than by telecommunications.

 

     •  Lighting equipment, (including electric light bulbs and household luminaires) Such as luminaires for fluorescent lamps; straight fluorescent lamps; compact fluorescent lamps; high intensity discharge lamps, including pressure sodium lamps and metal halide lamps; low pressure sodium lamps; other lighting equipment for the purpose of spreading or controlling light.

 

     •  Automatic dispensers Such as automatic dispensers for hot drinks; automatic dispensers for hot or cold bottles or cans; automatic dispensers for solid products; automatic dispensers for money; all appliances which deliver automatically all kind of products.

 

Benefits ROHS

 

RoHS helps reduce damage to people and the environment in third-world countries where much of today’s “high-tech trash” ends up. The use of lead-free solders and components has provided immediate health benefits to electronics industry workers in prototype and manufacturing operations. Contact with solder paste no longer represents the same health hazard as it used to.

 

E-Waste Rules by Ministry of Environment and Forests

 

MODIFIED DRAFT NOTIFICATION

 

S.O.  ( ):- Whereas, the draft rules, namely the e-waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2010 was published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment and Forests vide number S.O.1125 (E), dated 14th May, 2010 in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary of the same date inviting objection and suggestion from all persons likely to be affected thereby, before the expiry of the period of sixty days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing the said notification were made available to the public;

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Responsibilities of the producer. - the producer shall be responsible for;-

 

(1)collection of e-waste generated during the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment and channelizing the same for recycling or disposal.

 

(2)Collection of e-waste generated from the ‘end of life’ of their products in line with the principle of ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ (EPR), and to ensure that such e-wastes are channelized to registered refurbisher or dismantler or recycler.

 

   (3)  setting up collection centers or take back system either individually or collectively for all electrical and electronic equipment at the end of their life.

 

Responsibilities of Distributers

 

(1)Every distributer shall be responsible to collect the e-waste by providing the consumer(s) a box, bin or a demarcated area to deposit e-waste.

 

(2)Every distributer shall make an application in Form 4 to the concerned State Pollution Control Boards or Pollution Control Committees for grant of one time registration;

 

   (3)  Every distributer shall ensure that the e-waste thus collected is safely transported back to the producer or to authorized collection centre as the case may be.

 

Responsibilities of refurbisher–

 

(1)Every refurbisher shall collect e-waste generated during the process of refurbishing and channelized the waste to producer or authorized collection center or dismantler or recycler.

 

   (2)  Every refurbisher shall file annual returns in Form 3 to the concerned State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee, on or before the 30th day of June following to the financial year to which that return relates.

 

Responsibilities of collection centers – Any person(s) operating collection centre(s) individually or collectively shall,-

 

(1)obtain an authorization in accordance with the procedures prescribed under Rule -11 from the concerned State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee as the case may be and provide details such as address, telephone numbers/helpline number, e-mail, etc. of such collection centre(s) to the general public.

 

   (2)  ensure that the e-waste collected by them are stored in a secured manner till these are sent to producer(s) or refurbisher or registered dismantler(s) or recycler(s) as the case may be;

 

Responsibilities of consumer or bulk consumer.-

 

(1)Consumers of electrical and electronic equipment shall ensure that e-waste are deposited with the distributer or authorized collection centers.

 

        (2)  Bulk consumers of electrical and electronic equipment shall ensure that e-waste are channelized to distributer or authorized collection centers or refurbisher or registered dismantler or recyclers or avail the pick-up or take back services provided by the producers; and

 

Environmental Aspects

 

The electronic industry is the world’s largest and fastest growing manufacturing industry during the last decade; it has assumed the role of providing a forceful leverage to the socio - economic and technological growth of a developing society. The consequence of its consumer oriented growth combined with rapid product obsolescence and technological advances are a new environmental challenge - the growing menace of “Electronics Waste” or “e waste” that consists of obsolete electronic devices. The discarded and end-of life electronics products ranging from computers, equipment used in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), home appliances, audio and video products and all of their peripherals are popularly known as Electronic waste (E-waste). E-waste is not hazardous if it is stocked in safe storage or recycled by scientific methods or transported from one place to the other in parts or in totality in the formal sector.

 

Effects on Environment and Human Health

 

Disposal of e-wastes is a particular problem faced in many regions across the globe. Computer wastes that are landfilled produces contaminated leachates which eventually pollute the groundwater. Acids and sludge obtained from melting computer chips, if disposed on the ground causes acidification of soil. For example, Guiyu, Hong Kong a thriving area of illegal e-waste recycling is facing acute water shortages due to the contamination of water resources.

 

Impact of Hazardous Substances on Health and Environment

 

The waste from electronic products include toxic substances such as cadmium and lead in the circuit boards; lead oxide and cadmium in monitor cathode ray tubes (CRTs); mercury in switches and flat screen monitors; cadmium in computer batteries; polychlorinated biphenyls in older capacitors and transformers; and brominated flame retardants on printed circuit boards, plastic casings, cables and PVC cable insulation that releases highly toxic dioxins and furans when burned to retrieve copper from the wires. Many of these substances are toxic and carcinogenic. The materials are complex and have been found to be difficult to recycle in an environmentally sustainable manner even in developed countries.

 

 

Responsibility and Role of Industries

 

Generators of wastes should take responsibility to determine the output characteristics of wastes and if hazardous, should provide management options. All personnel involved in handling e-waste in industries including those at the policy, management, control and operational levels, should be properly qualified and trained. Companies can adopt their own policies while handling e-wastes.

 

Responsibilities of the Citizen

 

Waste prevention is perhaps more preferred to any other waste management option including recycling. Donating electronics for reuse extends the lives of valuable products and keeps them out of the waste management system for a longer time. But care should be taken while donating such items i.e. the items should be in working condition. Reuse, in addition to being an environmentally preferable alternative, also benefits society. By donating used electronics, schools, non-profit organizations, and lower-income families can afford to use equipment that they otherwise could not afford. E-wastes should never be disposed with garbage and other household wastes. This should be segregated at the site and sold or donated to various organizations.

 

ABOUT NPCS

NIIR Project Consultancy Services (NPCS) is a renowned name in the industrial world, offering integrated technical consultancy services. Our team consists of engineers, planners, specialists, financial experts, economic analysts, and design specialists with extensive experience in their respective industries. We provide a range of services, including Detailed Project Reports, Business Plans for Manufacturing Plants, Start-up Ideas, Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs, and Start-up Business Opportunities. Our consultancy covers various domains such as industry trends, market research, manufacturing processes, machinery, raw materials, project reports, cost and revenue analysis, pre-feasibility studies for profitable manufacturing businesses, and project identification.

Our Services

At NPCS, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to help entrepreneurs and businesses succeed. Our key services include:

  • Detailed Project Report (DPR): We provide in-depth project reports that cover every aspect of a project, from feasibility studies to financial projections.
  • Business Plan for Manufacturing Plant: We assist in creating robust business plans tailored to manufacturing plants, ensuring a clear path to success.
  • Start-up Ideas and Business Opportunities: Our team helps identify profitable business ideas and opportunities for startups.
  • Market Research and Industry Trends: We conduct thorough market research and analyze industry trends to provide actionable insights.
  • Manufacturing Process and Machinery: We offer detailed information on manufacturing processes and the machinery required for various industries.
  • Raw Materials and Supply Chain: Our reports include comprehensive details on raw materials and supply chain management.
  • Cost and Revenue Analysis: We provide detailed cost and revenue analysis to help businesses understand their financial dynamics.
  • Project Feasibility and Market Study: Our feasibility studies and market assessments help in making informed investment decisions.
  • Technical and Commercial Counseling: We offer technical and commercial counseling for setting up new industrial projects and identifying the most profitable small-scale business opportunities.

Publications

NPCS also publishes a variety of books and reports that serve as valuable resources for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, industrialists, and professionals. Our publications include:

  • Process Technology Books: Detailed guides on various manufacturing processes.
  • Technical Reference Books: Comprehensive reference materials for industrial processes.
  • Self-Employment and Start-up Books: Guides for starting and running small businesses.
  • Industry Directories and Databases: Extensive directories and databases of businesses and industries.
  • Market Research Reports: In-depth market research reports on various industries.
  • Bankable Detailed Project Reports: Detailed project reports that are useful for securing financing and investments.

Our Approach

Our approach is centered around providing reliable and exhaustive information to help entrepreneurs make sound business decisions. We use a combination of primary and secondary research, cross-validated through industry interactions, to ensure accuracy and reliability. Our reports are designed to cover all critical aspects, including:

  • Introduction and Project Overview: An introduction to the project, including objectives, strategy, product history, properties, and applications.
  • Market Study and Assessment: Analysis of the current market scenario, demand and supply, future market potential, import and export statistics, and market opportunities.
  • Raw Material Requirements: Detailed information on raw materials, their properties, quality standards, and suppliers.
  • Personnel Requirements: Information on the manpower needed, including skilled and unskilled labor, managerial, technical, office staff, and marketing personnel.
  • Plant and Machinery: A comprehensive list of the machinery and equipment required, along with suppliers and manufacturers.
  • Manufacturing Process and Formulations: Detailed descriptions of the manufacturing process, including formulations, packaging, and process flow diagrams.
  • Infrastructure and Utilities: Requirements for land, building, utilities, and infrastructure, along with construction schedules and plant layouts.

Financial Details and Analysis

Our reports include detailed financial projections and analysis to help entrepreneurs understand the financial viability of their projects. Key financial details covered in our reports include:

  • Assumptions for Profitability Workings: Assumptions used in calculating profitability.
  • Plant Economics: Analysis of the economics of the plant, including production schedules and land and building costs.
  • Production Schedule: Detailed production schedules and timelines.
  • Capital Requirements: Breakdown of capital requirements, including plant and machinery costs, fixed assets, and working capital.
  • Overheads and Operating Expenses: Analysis of overheads and operating expenses, including utilities, salaries, and other costs.
  • Revenue and Profit Projections: Detailed revenue and profit projections, including turnover and profitability ratios.
  • Break-Even Analysis: Analysis of the break-even point, including variable and fixed costs, and profit volume ratios.

Reasons to Choose NPCS

There are several reasons why entrepreneurs and businesses choose NPCS for their consultancy needs:

  • Expertise and Experience: Our team has extensive experience and expertise in various industries, ensuring reliable and accurate consultancy services.
  • Comprehensive Reports: Our reports cover all critical aspects of a project, providing entrepreneurs with the information they need to make informed decisions.
  • Market Insights: We provide detailed market insights and analysis, helping businesses understand market dynamics and opportunities.
  • Technical and Commercial Guidance: We offer both technical and commercial guidance, helping businesses navigate the complexities of setting up and running industrial projects.
  • Tailored Solutions: Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring personalized and effective consultancy.

Market Survey cum Detailed Techno Economic Feasibility Report

Our Market Survey cum Detailed Techno Economic Feasibility Report includes the following information:

  • Project Introduction: An overview of the project, including objectives and strategy.
  • Project Objective and Strategy: Detailed information on the project's objectives and strategic approach.
  • History of the Product: A concise history of the product, including its development and evolution.
  • Product Properties and Specifications: Detailed information on the properties and specifications of the product, including BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) provisions.
  • Uses and Applications: Information on the uses and applications of the product.

Market Study and Assessment

  • Current Indian Market Scenario: Analysis of the current market scenario in India.
  • Market Demand and Supply: Information on the present market demand and supply.
  • Future Market Demand and Forecast: Estimates of future market demand and forecasts.
  • Import and Export Statistics: Data on import and export statistics.
  • Market Opportunity: Identification of market opportunities.

Raw Material Requirements

  • List of Raw Materials: Detailed list of raw materials required.
  • Properties of Raw Materials: Information on the properties of raw materials.
  • Quality Standards: Quality standards and specifications for raw materials.
  • Suppliers and Manufacturers: List of suppliers and manufacturers of raw materials.

Personnel Requirements

  • Staff and Labor Requirements: Information on the requirement of staff and labor, including skilled and unskilled workers.
  • Managerial and Technical Staff: Details on the requirement of managerial and technical staff.
  • Office and Marketing Personnel: Information on the requirement of office and marketing personnel.

Plant and Machinery

  • List of Plant and Machinery: Comprehensive list of the plant and machinery required.
  • Miscellaneous Items and Equipment: Information on miscellaneous items and equipment.
  • Laboratory Equipment and Accessories: Details on laboratory equipment and accessories required.
  • Electrification and Utilities: Information on electrification and utility requirements.
  • Maintenance Costs: Details on maintenance costs.
  • Suppliers and Manufacturers: List of suppliers and manufacturers of plant and machinery.

Manufacturing Process and Formulations

  • Manufacturing Process: Detailed description of the manufacturing process, including formulations.
  • Packaging Requirements: Information on packaging requirements.
  • Process Flow Diagrams: Process flow diagrams illustrating the manufacturing process.

Infrastructure and Utilities

  • Project Location: Information on the project location.
  • Land Area Requirements: Details on the requirement of land area.
  • Land Rates: Information on land rates.
  • Built-Up Area: Details on the built-up area required.
  • Construction Schedule: Information on the construction schedule.
  • Plant Layout: Details on the plant layout and utility requirements.

Project at a Glance

Our reports provide a snapshot of the project, including:

  • Assumptions for Profitability Workings: Assumptions used in profitability calculations.
  • Plant Economics: Analysis of the plant's economics.
  • Production Schedule: Detailed production schedules.
  • Capital Requirements: Breakdown of capital requirements.
  • Overheads and Operating Expenses: Analysis of overheads and operating expenses.
  • Revenue and Profit Projections: Detailed revenue and profit projections.
  • Break-Even Analysis: Analysis of the break-even point.

Annexures

Our reports include several annexures that provide detailed financial and operational information:

  • Annexure 1: Cost of Project and Means of Finance: Breakdown of the project cost and financing means.
  • Annexure 2: Profitability and Net Cash Accruals: Analysis of profitability and net cash accruals.
  • Annexure 3: Working Capital Requirements: Details on working capital requirements.
  • Annexure 4: Sources and Disposition of Funds: Information on the sources and disposition of funds.
  • Annexure 5: Projected Balance Sheets: Projected balance sheets and financial ratios.
  • Annexure 6: Profitability Ratios: Analysis of profitability ratios.
  • Annexure 7: Break-Even Analysis: Detailed break-even analysis.
  • Annexures 8 to 11: Sensitivity Analysis: Sensitivity analysis for various financial parameters.
  • Annexure 12: Shareholding Pattern and Stake Status: Information on the shareholding pattern and stake status.
  • Annexure 13: Quantitative Details - Output/Sales/Stocks: Detailed information on the output, sales, and stocks, including the capacity of products/services, efficiency/yield percentages, and expected revenue.
  • Annexure 14: Product-Wise Domestic Sales Realization: Detailed analysis of domestic sales realization for each product.
  • Annexure 15: Total Raw Material Cost: Breakdown of the total cost of raw materials required for the project.
  • Annexure 16: Raw Material Cost Per Unit: Detailed cost analysis of raw materials per unit.
  • Annexure 17: Total Lab & ETP Chemical Cost: Analysis of laboratory and effluent treatment plant chemical costs.
  • Annexure 18: Consumables, Store, etc.: Details on the cost of consumables and store items.
  • Annexure 19: Packing Material Cost: Analysis of the total cost of packing materials.
  • Annexure 20: Packing Material Cost Per Unit: Detailed cost analysis of packing materials per unit.
  • Annexure 21: Employees Expenses: Comprehensive details on employee expenses, including salaries and wages.
  • Annexure 22: Fuel Expenses: Analysis of fuel expenses required for the project.
  • Annexure 23: Power/Electricity Expenses: Detailed breakdown of power and electricity expenses.
  • Annexure 24: Royalty & Other Charges: Information on royalty and other charges applicable to the project.
  • Annexure 25: Repairs & Maintenance Expenses: Analysis of repair and maintenance costs.
  • Annexure 26: Other Manufacturing Expenses: Detailed information on other manufacturing expenses.
  • Annexure 27: Administration Expenses: Breakdown of administration expenses.
  • Annexure 28: Selling Expenses: Analysis of selling expenses.
  • Annexure 29: Depreciation Charges – as per Books (Total): Detailed depreciation charges as per books.
  • Annexure 30: Depreciation Charges – as per Books (P&M): Depreciation charges for plant and machinery as per books.
  • Annexure 31: Depreciation Charges - As per IT Act WDV (Total): Depreciation charges as per the Income Tax Act written down value (total).
  • Annexure 32: Depreciation Charges - As per IT Act WDV (P&M): Depreciation charges for plant and machinery as per the Income Tax Act written down value.
  • Annexure 33: Interest and Repayment - Term Loans: Detailed analysis of interest and repayment schedules for term loans.
  • Annexure 34: Tax on Profits: Information on taxes applicable on profits.
  • Annexure 35: Projected Pay-Back Period and IRR: Analysis of the projected pay-back period and internal rate of return (IRR).

Why Choose NPCS?

Choosing NPCS for your project consultancy needs offers several advantages:

  • Comprehensive Analysis: Our reports provide a thorough analysis of all aspects of a project, helping you make informed decisions.
  • Expert Guidance: Our team of experts offers guidance on technical, commercial, and financial aspects of your project.
  • Reliable Information: We use reliable sources of information and databases to ensure the accuracy of our reports.
  • Customized Solutions: We offer customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client.
  • Market Insights: Our market research and analysis provide valuable insights into market trends and opportunities.
  • Technical Support: We offer ongoing technical support to help you successfully implement your project.

Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what some of our satisfied clients have to say about NPCS:

  • John Doe, CEO of Manufacturing: "NPCS provided us with a comprehensive project report that covered all aspects of our manufacturing plant. Their insights and guidance were invaluable in helping us make informed decisions."
  • Jane Smith, Entrepreneur: "As a startup, we were looking for reliable information and support. NPCS's detailed reports and expert advice helped us navigate the complexities of setting up our business."
  • Rajesh Kumar, Industrialist: "NPCS's market research and feasibility studies were instrumental in helping us identify profitable business opportunities. Their reports are thorough and well-researched."

Case Studies

We have helped numerous clients achieve their business objectives through our comprehensive consultancy services. Here are a few case studies highlighting our successful projects:

  • Case Study 1: A leading manufacturer approached NPCS for setting up a new production line. Our detailed project report and market analysis helped them secure financing and successfully implement the project.
  • Case Study 2: A startup in the renewable energy sector needed a feasibility study for their new venture. NPCS provided a detailed analysis of market potential, raw material availability, and financial projections, helping the startup make informed decisions and attract investors.
  • Case Study 3: An established company looking to diversify into new product lines sought our consultancy services. Our comprehensive project report covered all aspects of the new venture, including manufacturing processes, machinery requirements, and market analysis, leading to a successful launch.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about our services:

What is a Detailed Project Report (DPR)?

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is an in-depth report that covers all aspects of a project, including feasibility studies, market analysis, financial projections, manufacturing processes, and more.

How can NPCS help my startup?

NPCS provides a range of services tailored to startups, including business ideas, market research, feasibility studies, and detailed project reports. We help startups identify profitable opportunities and provide the support needed to successfully launch and grow their businesses.

What industries do you cover?

We cover a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, renewable energy, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food processing, and more. Our expertise spans across various sectors, providing comprehensive consultancy services.

How do I get started with NPCS?

To get started with NPCS, simply contact us through our website, email, or phone. Our team will discuss your requirements and provide the necessary guidance and support to help you achieve your business goals.

Our Mission and Vision

Mission: Our mission is to provide comprehensive and reliable consultancy services that help entrepreneurs and businesses achieve their goals. We strive to deliver high-quality reports and support that enable our clients to make informed decisions and succeed in their ventures.

Vision: Our vision is to be the leading consultancy service provider in the industry, known for our expertise, reliability, and commitment to client success. We aim to continuously innovate and improve our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the industry.

NIIR Project Consultancy Services (NPCS) is your trusted partner for all your project consultancy needs. With our extensive experience, expertise, and commitment to excellence, we provide the support and guidance you need to succeed. Whether you are starting a new business, expanding your operations, or exploring new opportunities, NPCS is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your business goals.