Investigation and evaluation of methods for the reuse of glass from lamps recycling

Abstract Waste from Electric and Electronic Equipment is one of the most rapidly developing waste streams worldwide. The aim of this paper is to investigate and evaluate the reuse methods of glass derived from electric lamp recycling. A detailed record of the various reuse methods of recycled glass is given, focusing on the use of glass in concrete industry, ceramic building materials and asphalt. Also, the necessary prerequisites, in order to produce final products within specifications, are highlighted for each case. The glass-cullet used in the research was produced in Oikokiklios S.A. lamp recycling company, where lamps are collected for recycling from all over Greece. Moreover, in order to investigate each case study, production data of three different companies (asphalt, cement, bricks) within close distance from Oikokiklios S.A. were used. As a result, three scenarios were studied in order to describe the glass-cullet reuse options and examine the benefits of introducing glass in each production process. More precisely, each scenario was evaluated concerning energy, environment and economic impact. The main conclusion of the research was that introducing glass is beneficial for all the above production processes leading to an important reduction of the released carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption.