Identification of priority methods of recycling of electronic industry waste based on the principles of the best available technology

Abstract

The article deals with the approach to recycling of electronic industry waste based on the implementation of the best available technology. The author has analyzed the concept of «the best available technology» in Russian scientific and legal literature as well as similar terms in the legal documentation of the European Union. It was revealed that the approachbased on the best available technology in the Russian Federation is significantly similar to that of the European countries. The existing criteria of classification of technologies to the best available technologies and their hierarchy have been analyzed. Also, the author considered the process of establishing the best available technologies and their corresponding levels of environmental performance and analyzed the amount of generated, disposed, neutralized and buried waste of electrical and electronic equipment. The analysis has shown an increase in the volume of waste generation and disposal with a low recycling rate. The analysis of the existing system of electronic waste management has shown its inconsistency with the recycling economy the transition to which was declared as a goal. It is confirmed by the constant increase in the amount of electronic waste and the insignificant rate of its reuse and decontamination. To perform a faster and more efficient transition to a closedloop economy it has been suggested to facilitate the change of behaviour of consumers of electronic equipment in terms of its disposal and develop a waste management system built on the principles of a close-loop economy which will be based on the constantly updated and improved best available technologies.