Recycling of PBDEs containing plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE): A review

With the rapid growth of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and hindrance to the distribution of recycled polymers due to the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), plastics from WEEE have been an important environmental problem. Currently, the recycling activities on polymeric materials are increasing and becoming more and more important. So, it is imperative to recycle WEEE plastics containing PBDEs in an environmentally sound manner. Based on an overview about PBDEs content in WEEE plastics, three main recycling options have been investigated and a recycling model is established. The emission of PBDE congeners and formation of polybrominated dibenzo dioxins/furans (PBDD/Fs) during various recycling processes is summarized, and the detrimental impact on environment and human health is compared. The review information in this study can provide the basis for environmental friendly management of PBDEs containing plastics.