Abstract：
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is defined as \"urban mines\" due to the various recoverable minerals they contain. However, current WEEE classification methods are mostly limited to their physical characteristics, focusing on collection, transport, and treatment purposes rather than on valorization. In the present study, our aim is to propose an alternative classification approach adapted for low-income countries for WEEE recovery that highlights their content of precious and valuable metals. A typology of WEEE was created based on WEEE generated in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Principal component analysis (PCA) and the moving center technique (K-means) were used for the classification method. Ultimately, we have found that to improve the recovery of WEEE, they can be classified into three main groups: (i) a group of WEEE-containing batteries, (ii) a group of WEEE-containing valuable and precious metals, and finally, (iii) a group of WEEE made up of cathode ray tube televisions (CRT-TV) waste. The WEEE belonging to the second group are the ones that could generate higher economical values. This alternative classification approach will help investors and operators to better orient their valorization activities towards WEEE types that present the best precious metals recovery potential, maximizing their profits. On the other hand, decision-makers will find this classification useful for reorganizing the WEEE value chain.
摘要：
废弃电气和电子设备（WEEE）被定义为“城市矿山”，因为它们含有各种可回收矿物。然而,目前的WEEE分类方法大多局限于其物理特征，注重收藏,运输,和治疗目的，而不是价值化。在本研究中,我们的目标是提出一种适用于低收入国家的替代分类方法，以回收WEEE，突出其贵金属和有价金属的含量。WEEE的类型是基于瓦加杜古（布基纳法索）产生的WEEE创建的。主成分分析（PCA）和移动中心技术（K-means）用于分类方法。最终,我们发现，为了提高WEEE的回收率，它们可以分为三大类：（i）一组含WEEE的电池，(ii)一组含WEEE的贵重和贵金属，最后，（iii）一组由阴极射线管电视（CRT-TV）废料组成的WEEE。属于第二组的WEEE是可以产生更高的经济价值的WEEE。这种替代分类方法将帮助投资者和运营商更好地将其价值化活动定位为呈现最佳贵金属回收潜力的WEEE类型。最大化他们的利润。另一方面,决策者会发现这种分类对重组WEEE价值链很有用。
