Eco-efficiency of take-back and recycling, a comprehensive approach

A key question in setting up take-back systems for discarded consumer electronics is how much environmental improvement can be realized per amount of money invested. With the eco-efficiency concept developed, the environmental and economic performance of single products within various end-of-life scenarios can be quantified as well as the contribution of individual materials and material fractions to this performance. Also analysis the effectiveness and efficiency of optimization and changes in the take-back system like, glass recycling and plastic recycling, and Design for End-of-Life activities is determined. Moreover, the environmental effectiveness and cost-efficiency effects of the European Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is reviewed. Based on the eco-efficiency analyses, an implementation roadmap for this legislation is proposed in order to further improve environmental performance on one hand and to minimize costs on the other hand.