Development of LED bulb/tube recycling technology

Abstract

Climate change has driven technological advances and motivated the adoption of public policies that encourage the use of renewable energies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Brazilian Lighting Industry Association - Abilux (2015) lighting represents about 20 % of the electricity consumed in Brazil today. One of the measures that is encouraging the change in the lighting market in Brazil is the ban on sales of all types of incandescent lamps, which has been phased out since 2012 (MME, 2010). Another important measure was the incorporation of LED lamps into the Procel Seal portfolio in 2014, as LED lamps with the seal may have a 35 % lower energy consumption compared to compact fluorescent lamps, and compared to incandescent lamps, the consumption savings power can exceed 80 %, with durability 25 times longer. According to Abilux apud Mattos (2018), Brazil imported 20 million units of LED lamps in 2014, reaching in 2017, 214 million units. Despite its high average duration, the increased use and the Solid Waste National Policy (PNRS - Law No. 12.305) require the attention of society and the State to the appropriate destination of this product at the end of its useful life. Exponential growth in consumption and the fact that the LED lamp is classified as dangerous waste is an urgent requirement for Brazil to be able to properly dispose of the LED Lamps waste and mitigate the potential environmental risk of its discard, without compromising the other environmental benefit arising from energy saving. Preliminary research has indicated a route with the potential success in recycling the LED lamp. This project proposes the scaling up the recycling process using a pilot plant to develop the process, analyze its economic viability against the projected market demand and also study the environmental performance of the process. Tramppo wants to invest in this technology and develop this pioneer Brazilian technology. This project represents Tramppo's sustainability and perpetuation and also their sustained growth over the next 10 years. The new service will represent more than 50% of the company's revenues in the next 5 years, more than R$ 5 million in taxes and the maintenance of 20 direct jobs, with a growth perspective of more than 40%. In addition to the business relevance, the project addresses sensitive environmental impact points and contributes with 9 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 17). (AU)