Performance evaluation of waste electrical and electronic equipment disassembly layout configurations using simulation

Highlights

Alternative layout configurations for WEEE disassembly systems (WDS) are evaluated.

An efficient modeling approach for simulation of manual WDS is proposed.

Effect of various transfer systems on the performance criteria is investigated.

Learning curve effect in WDS layout simulation models is investigated.

Managerial implications are provided to increase the practical impact of the study.

Abstract

Recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is crucially important since it handles hazardous waste according to ever tightening laws and regulations and it adds benefits to economy and sustainable environment. Disassembly is one of the most important processes performed during the recovery of WEEE. The overall goal of disassembly is to maximize the retrieval of various metals and plastics contained in WEEE in order to reduce their negative effects on human health and environmental sustainability and to increase economic gains. This study aims to evaluate alternative layout configurations for WEEE disassembly systems (WDS). In this context, various configurations were compared in terms of pre-defined performance criteria, such as the total number of disassembled WEEE and the total revenue from sales, using simulation models. The results of this study show that the performance of a WDS was significantly affected by output transfer systems along with the specialization of operators on certain types of WEEE.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

WEEE / Recovery / Disassembly / Layout planning / Simulation

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Acknowledgements

This research was partially funded by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) under the grant number 111M428.

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