Lesson 5: RECYCLABILITY AND RECOVERABILITY RATES – CALCULATION OF THE RECYCLABILITY AND RECOVERABILITY RATE

In this lesson, we will dive into the calculation of the recyclability and recoverability rates for end-of-life vehicles.

  1. Recyclability Rate
  • The Recyclability rate (Rcyc) of a vehicle is expressed as a percentage by mass, denoted as a mass fraction in percent.
  • The calculation for Rcyc is as follows:
  • Where:
    • Mp is the mass determined in the preliminary preparation phase.
    • Md is the mass determined during dismantling.
    • Mm is the mass of metals determined during metal separation.
    • Mtp is the mass of non-metallic residues considered recyclable.
  • Rcyc is presented as a percentage (%).
  1. Recoverability Rate
  • The Recoverability rate (Rcov) of a vehicle is also expressed as a percentage by mass, denoted as a mass fraction in percent.
  • The calculation for Rcov is as follows:

Where:

  • Mp is the mass determined in the preliminary preparation phase.
  • Md is the mass determined during dismantling.
  • Mm is the mass of metals determined during metal separation.
  • Mtp is the mass of non-metallic residues considered recyclable.
  • Mte is the mass of remaining materials that could potentially be used for energy renewal.
  • Rcov is presented as a percentage (%).
  1. Rounding Values
  • Given the high required threshold values (Rcyc ≥ 85%, Rcov ≥ 95%), manufacturers aim to achieve values close to these thresholds.
  • To display these values, one decimal place is typically used with the following rounding rules:
    • If the number behind the decimal point is between 0 and 4, it is rounded down to the nearest integer value.
    • If the number behind the decimal point is between 5 and 9, it is rounded up to the nearest integer value.
  1. Formalized Data Overview
  • Table 3 provides a formalized overview of data obtained through the calculation method. This overview is defined in accordance with the ISO 22628:2002 standard and is an essential part of the manufacturer’s documentation submitted to the Competent State Authority for homologation.
  1. Presentation of Data
  • Figure 11 illustrates the presentation of data for a specific vehicle. This type of data presentation is also an integral part of the Approval Certificate, as required by Directive 2005/64/EC or UN Regulation No. 133.

Conclusion

  • Calculating the recyclability and recoverability rates is essential for assessing the environmental impact and sustainability of end-of-life vehicles.
  • Manufacturers strive to achieve high rates to meet stringent regulations, and the values are typically expressed with one decimal place, following specific rounding rules.
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