8.2 Product Recovery

Question 1

Product recovery options

Answer 1

 Remanufacture: - where discarded products are repaired, reconditioned and resupplied
 Reuse: - the disassembly and reclamation of parts within discarded products for reuse in old or new ones
 Recycle: - reclamation of materials
 Incineration: - the reclamation of energy within the parts as the last resort when all the other options are not possible

Question 2

Benefits of Remanufacturing

Answer 2

• Material, enery & water conservation
• Plant & equipment conservation
• Extending product life reducing lifecycle impact
• Retainimin product value compare to mat reclamation
• Employment in domestic industry
• Lower prices broaden product markets
• Safe depollution and disposal of hazardous materials

Question 3

Challanges in remanufacturing

Answer 3

• Condition at end of life determines remanufacturing processes
• Inspection and non-destructive testing required to determin suitaility
• Ability to asses the technological obsolescence that might increase lifecycle impact due to the continued use of out-dated technology
• Geographical distribution and revers logistics involved in returning the product to the remanufacturing site

Question 4

Uncertainties in remanufacturin

Answer 4

Quality
Quantity
Timing

Question 5

WEEE Directive

Answer 5

• Purpose is to reduce landfill disposal
• Three key objectives:
a) the prevention of waste
b) the promotion of reuse, recycling and recovery
c) the minimisation of risks to the environment associated with treatment and disposal of this waste stream
• Electrical and electronic equipment must not contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury.
• Provet householders able to return their WEEE to collection facilities free of charge and producers will be responsible for financing the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal

Question 6

ELV Directives

Answer 6

• Purpose is to encourage the design of new vehicles that:
a) facilitate dismantling, reuse, recovery and recycling of their components and materials
b) integrate an increasing amount of recycled materials into new products
c) limit the use of hazardous substances
• ‘Producer Responsibility’ whereby the vehicle manufacturer is responsible for the take-back and recycling of all vehicles they produce from 2007