STATE AND PROSPECTS OF HANDLING METAL-CONTAINING HOUSEHOLD WASTE

Abstract

The basic data on the volume of the formation of household (municipal) metal-containing waste, in particular, aluminum cans for drinks, cans, waste electrical and electronic equipment, electrical power sources (batteries and galvanic cells), as well as lighting lamps. The main methods of handling the indicated waste are considered and their critical analysis is presented. Particular attention is paid to the recycling and disposal of common waste such as waste electrical and electronic equipment, chemical sources of electrical current, and lighting lamps. Taking into account the rapid growth in the consumption of electrical and electronic products, it is shown that now there is a tendency not so much to improve the methods of disposal of the corresponding waste, but to ensure the production of more durable goods that provide for the possibility of their repair. A gradual transition from the 3R strategy (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle) to the 10R strategy (Refuse, Rethink, Reconsider, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, Recover) is proposed. At the same time, the development of effective technologies for extracting not only traditional iron, aluminum, copper and their alloys from metal-containing household waste is not removed from the agenda, but also more scarce metals, including rare earth and heavy metals, as well as platinum group metals, which will allow significantly reduce the man-made load on the environment. Bibl. 69, Table 1.