Microsoft Word - Environmental benefits of recycling 2010 update.doc

Other indicators

Acidification

Recycling appears as the preferable option in most cases while landfill is the least preferable option. The
feedstock recycling (case 8[PS1]) appears again as an exception in that it is less advantageous than incineration.

Table 35 Ranking of end-of-life options within each scenario for acidification for plastics

Case Recycling

Incineration

with energy

recovery

Landfill Pyrolysis

1[PE] +++ ++ +

1[PET] +++ ++ +

2[MIX1] +++ ++ + ++

2[MIX2] +++ ++ + ++

2[MIX3] +++ ++ + ++

2[MIX4] +++ ++ + ++

3[PE] ++ +++ +

3[PP] +++ ++ +

3[PS] +++ ++ +

3[PET] +++ ++ +

3[PVC] +++ ++ + +++ best option

8[PS1] * + * +++ ++ intermediary option

8[PS2] +++ + + worst option

8[PS3] +++ + option not assessed

Studies n°4, 5,  6  and  7  do not include this indicator

* Feedstock recycling scenario

Acidification

(kg SO2 eq)

Photochemical oxidation

The majority of cases points out that recycling is the preferred option and landfill the worst option regarding this
indicator. However, in the case of PVC recycling, only assessed in case 7[PVC], landfill is preferable to recycling.

Table 36 Ranking of end-of-life options within each scenario for photochemical oxidation for plastics

Case Recycling

Incineration

with energy

recovery

Landfill Pyrolysis

1[PE] +++ + ++

1[PET] +++ + ++

2[MIX1] +++ ++ + ++

2[MIX2] +++ ++ + ++

2[MIX3] +++ ++ + ++

2[MIX4] +++ ++ + ++

3[PE] ++ +++ +

3[PP] +++ ++ +

3[PS] +++ ++ +

3[PET] +++ ++ +

3[PVC] +++ ++ +

7[PET] +++ +

7[PE] +++ +

7[PVC] + +++ +++ best option

8[PS1] * ++ * ++ ++ intermediary option

8[PS2] +++ + + worst option

8[PS3] +++ + option not assessed

Photochemical

oxidation

(kg ethylene

eq)

Studies n°4,  5  and  6  do not include this indicator

* Feedstock recycling scenario