Analysis of the practices and technologies used for the treatment of brominated plastics of WEEE in Guadalajara city, Mexico

The increase in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has become an attractive for the recycling industry, mainly due to high volume found flow that can be transformed into other products. purpose of this study is investigate treatments applied WEEE brominated plastics companies Metropolitan Area Guadalajara (MAG), Mexico, compa­rison with international guidelines. information-gathering was obtained through interviews visits; fourteen dedicated field recovery, treatment and/or were identified. Only seven allowed carried out, only five provided samples. Eighty-six samples different kinds analyzed using Han­dheld X-ray fluorescence (HXRF) technique, atypical cases have undergone analysis photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Bromine predominant element analyzed, which sometimes exceeded permissible limits European Directive 4 10 times, meaning concentration ranges go from 10000 39500 mg/kg. It identified bromine as a chemical precursor flame retardants, prohibited by agreements because they cause damage environment public health. As result, do not follow practices technologies used internationally. However, considering circular economy, relevant establish traces contaminants recycled plastics.