Separation Plant for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment in Bolivia

Abstract

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is becoming an growing problem in developing countries. WEEE often contains hazardous materials as well as expensive and/or rare metals. Treating the waste electronic in developing countries to avoid contamination and extract valuable material should be established. This thesis presents a study on how a manual dismantling plant can be implemented and designed to increase the WEEE treatment capacity in La Paz, Bolivia. In addition, the design should facilitate for employing workers with disabilities. Research and development has been done during a field trip lasting 4 months. The work in La Paz was accomplished in cooperation with an international NGO, local WEEE dismantling entrepreneur and municipality. A manual dismantling plant should be funded by the municipality and operated in collaboration with local entrepreneur. This will create a capable treatment facility that increases capacity as well as stimulating for smaller private WEEE dismantling companies to establish. Production can be done profitable and without releasing contaminants. With the developed design of workflow and dismantling station, efficient production can be performed. The design is also suitable for employing workers with disabilities. To establish a WEEE recovery system in Bolivia, creating a successful pilot plant is an important first step.