Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Improving the Recyclability of Computer Scrap and Other E-Waste
EPA Contract Number: 68D03031Title: Improving the Recyclability of Computer Scrap and Other E-Waste
Investigators: Sommer, Edward J.
Small Business: National Recovery Technologies Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: April 1, 2003 through September 1, 2003
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2003) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Waste , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The goal of this Phase I research project was to determine the feasibility of utilizing infrared spectroscopic sorting techniques for the high-speed identification and sorting of polymers in the electronic waste (e-waste) stream.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
The thrust of this Phase I research project has been directed toward evaluating spectroscopic approaches that are capable of providing the information needed to perform high-speed evaluation and sorting of e-waste plastics. Feasibility was established for utilizing innovative data acquisition and analysis techniques for identification of the polymer types. Furthermore, feasibility was established for the implementation of the sorting system in conjunction with existing e-waste demanufacturing processes. Finally, the economic analyses indicated that such a sorting system is very attractive for the e-waste recycling industry.
Conclusions:
The Phase I research project has led to the conclusion that innovative high-speed infrared spectroscopic analyses, coupled with high-speed pneumatic sorting technologies, can be developed for e-waste plastic applications. The new technology will increase the value of the recovered plastics, which then can be reused in high-end applications.
Supplemental Keywords:
computer scrap, e-waste, plastic, polymer, infrared spectroscopic sorting techniques, demanufacturing processes, pneumatic sorting technologies, recycling, plastics, small business, SBIR., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, POLLUTION PREVENTION, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Waste, Hazardous, Technology for Sustainable Environment, recycling, Sustainable Environment, Municipal, Chemistry and Materials Science, Hazardous Waste, waste reduction, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Engineering, municipal waste, municipal waste plastics, waste minimization, municipal solid waste, material recovery facility, hazardous waste disposal, plastics, automated waste recycling, computer scrap, recovery, polymers, waste recycling, materials recovery facility, high speed automated sorting, plastics sorting, electronic waste, electronics industry, polymer sortingSBIR Phase II:
Improving the Recyclability of Computer Scrap and Other E-WasteThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.