The ‘Control of Mixed and Flame Retardant Plastics’ project arises in the context of the management of used electrical equipment, in response to the requirements of national and European legislation, but also in response to the need to optimise processes and improve recycling targets. It is also a step towards meeting the growing concern about the harmful effects on health and the environment of the materials and chemicals they contain.
Mixed plastics are considered dangerous because they contain flame retardants, which are mixtures of chemicals added to a wide range of products to make them less flammable. These include some plastics used in electrical equipment, particularly small domestic appliances, computer, communications and technology equipment and older televisions (CRTs). Flame retardants are persistent chemical pollutants that bioaccumulate and are toxic to humans and the environment.
This project is monitoring and characterising the presence and prevalence of mixed plastics with flame retardants in the above categories of used electrical equipment. The results will be the starting point for defining a strategy to deal with these critical fractions, in particular POP plastics, as part of Electrão's electrical equipment management system.