The goal of this work is to find a solution for disposal of Vitroplast FR4, a material found in waste printed circuit boards. In this study, the influence of addition of Vitroplast, generated by mechanical treatment of printed circuit boards waste on concrete properties such as compressive strength was investigated in laboratory conditions. By substitution of filler (i.e. sand) in a mass ratio of 5, 10, 15 and 20% with Vitroplast in concrete mixture, the compressive strength decreased into 57.5, 84.5, 95.0 and 95.9%. The results of leaching tests have shown that by incorporating Vitroplast in concrete mixtures in a 10% mass ratio, the elution of arsenic and cadmium is below the limitations prescribed for inert wastes. The studied approach offers the possibility for environmental friendly recycling of printed circuit boards.
Construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) is one of the most relevant waste types primarily due to large quantities and a high potential for re-use and recycle. This paper discusses the issues related to C&D waste management in the Republic of Croatia. It presents the overview of legislative changes and its impact on the C&D waste management in Croatia. C&D waste quantities per county in the period from 2001 to 2015 are given as well as the expected C&D waste quantities in the future. It is concluded that the legal framework is well established, but it is not implemented consistently. Therefore, it is necessary to plan certain activities and additional resources in order to make the C&D waste management more efficient. The paper also presents the options of C&D waste recycling and describes the recycling technology in a C&D waste recycling plant in the Republic of Croatia. Taking into account the relatively low price of recycled aggregate, long distance transport is not profitable. It is concluded that the use of mobile treatment facilities would be a good practical solution taking into account the underdeveloped infrastructure for C&D waste management.
Polystyrene concrete, as a type of lightweight aggregate concrete, has been used in civil construction for years. The use of waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) as a fi ll material in lightweight concrete production is highly recommended from the point of view of the circular economy. Published data shows that an increase in the proportion of lightweight aggregates, i.e. EPS, results in a decrease in strength, bulk density and thermal conductivity of the concrete. Utilizing large quantities of waste EPS in non-structural polystyrene concrete production is particularly important. Unlike structural polystyrene concrete, according to the published papers, non-structural polystyrene concrete has not been investigated suffi ciently. The purpose of this paper is to determine the infl uence of the ratios of the basic components in a concrete mixture on the bulk density and compressive strength of non-structural polystyrene concrete produced by utilizing waste EPS as a fi ll material. The test specimens, i.e. cubes with an edge length of 100 mm each, were prepared in laboratory conditions by varying the proportions of EPS, sand up to 600 g and cement ranging from 300 g to 450 g per specimen. Bulk density and compressive strength were determined for the test specimens. Laboratory research results show a dependence of the component ratio on the bulk density ranging from 360 kg/m 3 to 915 kg/m 3 and compressive strength ranging from 0.385 MPa to 2.538 MPa.
Decommissioning and dismantlement of nuclear power plants (NPP) present the fi nal phase of a nuclear power plant lifetime and are an essential part of an eff ective nuclear safety culture. While some countries are implementing nuclear exit strategies and others are building new nuclear power plants or prolonging their lifetimes, the decommissioning of facilities is imminent. This paper gives a short overview on decommissioning and dismantling strategies and techniques as an introduction to the applicability of radioactive metal waste recycling and reuse. General estimations suggest that the majority of the waste mass resulting from decommissioning and dismantling is radiologically unrestricted material i.e. exempt waste. The remaining one-third is the radioactive material with diff erent levels of radioactivity. To present radioactive metal scrap recycling in practice, this paper addresses estimations on metal waste amounts resulting from decommissioning, the use of melting as a possible recycling method (with regard to secondary waste generated) and aspects of environmental and health impacts. Additionally, the best practice example of the decommissioning process in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) with NPP technology is given to provide context for the possible future decommissioning of NPP Krško. After consideration of the available data on decommissioning waste management, the conclusion is that while the decision on decommissioning strategies and technologies is not straightforward but unique to each country, current experiences give important context to the complexity and potential of decommissioning and provide a basis for future actions. Keywordsnuclear power plants, decommissioning and dismantling, metal recycling, waste management.
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