Quantifying WEEE arising in scrap metal collections: Method development and application in Ireland

Quantifying waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) not arising in documented formal WEEE collection is a major challenge. This paper presents method to characterize estimate quantities of scrap metal. Two European Catalogue List Waste, codes 17 04 05, construction demolition wastes—iron steel 20 01 40, metals separated out from municipal, household, commercial, industrial waste, were analyzed on arrival metal sites. Metal originated household business sources excluded end-of-life vehicles batteries. The point sampling eliminated risks double counting. Four representative sites across Ireland surveyed over the course 1 year. UNU-Keys used assign estimated masses based identification items as they arrived loads entering In total, 415 tonnes sampled 747 individual identified. It that 3.91% ± 1.88% mass was equating 2.28 kg/capita. Although large dominated count mass-based assessments untreated scrap, 35% identified classified small equipment. Professional made up 29% 25% observed. Policy makers tasked with enhancing rates need consider interventions targeting construction, demolition, renovation, especially planning so impending such photovoltaic panels are appropriately treated future. article met requirements for gold–silver JIE data openness badge described http://jie.click/badges.