Development of methodology for quantification of unsorted WEEE in scrap metal mixtures

Electrão, a take back scheme in Portugal, has defined and implemented the first auditable methodology to reliably quantify the amount of unsorted WEEE collected by waste management operators together with scrap metal. This methodology intends to address the well-known problem of unaccounted quantities of unsorted WEEE collected together with scrap metal in Europe by ensuring the proper reporting of these quantities. This methodology was carried out in a number of national waste management operators, which resulted in the identification of about 20 000 tonnes of WEEE in 2017 otherwise unaccounted for. The implementation of this methodology has allowed the reliable quantification and reporting of this waste stream thus improving the environmental performance in Portugal.