Analysis of the economic and environmental cost of dismantling and recovering plastic components from vehicles

The unique properties of plastics have led them to take a fundamental role in society. Unfortunately, the production, consumption and disposal of this material also impose negative impacts on the environment and the economy. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of dismantling and recovering certain plastic components from disused vehicles. Feasibility was assessed using an economic criterion based on the cost of dismantling, recovery and disposal of the components, as well as the environmental cost of the processes. Specifically, the costs of obtaining the component were compared by considering two alternatives: recovery and recycling, against the disposal of the disused component and the production of a new part from virgin material. This assessment was obtained by means of dismantling tests carried out in collaboration with RECIPLAST project partners during the period 2019-2021. The results of this study showed, for both operational options, a variability of costs as a function of the disassembly time and mass of the component. The comparison of the two operational options made it possible to calculate the cost difference and to give indications as to whether or not disassembly, recovery and recycling of the components is feasible. The consideration of the environmental costs related to the production, use and recovery of plastic materials in the automotive field, in addition to the already considered economic operating costs, could influence the assessment of the feasibility of recovering disused components.