Wasted liquid crystal displays as a source of value for e-waste treatment centers: a techno-economic analysis

The management of waste from electrical and electronic equipment is always asking for innovative solutions. However, in order to make this business interesting for companies, more information is needed, especially economic data. To this aim, this work discusses the recycling of wasted liquid crystal displays (LCDs), both in technical and economic terms. In addition, a sensitivity analysis has been implemented to justify the soundness of the results and the effect of instability on some critical variables. Results demonstrated as spent LCDs are an interesting field in which to develop circular practices. The economic analysis defines that the recycling of wasted LCDs are profitable in the baseline scenario (134 thousand €) and this is determined mainly by both back cover and valuable printed circuit boards. Additionally, the project is not economically feasible without a disposal fee (−1.7 million €).