Case study in Korea of manufacturing SRF for polyurethanes recycling in e-wastes

Statistics showed that approximately 1,195,000 refrigerator units (116,094 metric tons) were recycled annually in Korea’s formal sector. Although the recycling level for these was satisfactory, collecting and processing polyurethane at recycling centers (RCs) posed several problems, including the risk of fire from the incinerator, the generation of fugitive dust, and the high cost of disposal. The objective of our study is to provide an overview of refrigerator recycling and to introduce polyurethane solid refuse fuel (SRF) manufacturing facilities. These facilities, installed at four regional RCs in Korea, have a capacity of 800 kg/h, a motor of 476 kWh, and cost $664,300 (USD) to construct (criteria two facilities). According to our examination of the physico-chemical properties of SRF product, all results in categories have been satisfied with the quality standards. In terms of finances, RCs can reduce the total disposal cost from $160–175 to $60 by installing facilities, which results in savings of (on average) $180,546 annually. The Metropolitan Electronics Recycling Center, for example, has reduced its costs by $180,880 each year. Their return on investment was calculated to be about 3 years and 8 months (assuming no operating expenses) or 7 years and 4 months (including operating expenses).