Shin-ichi Sakai*, Masako Ogawa* and Hirosi Takatsuki*

(*Environment Preservation Center, Kyoto University)

Abstract

Shredder wastes are generated through the recycling process of metallic and non-metallic components from automobile scrap and composed mainly of plastics, glass and rubber. The amount of shredder wastes has been increased because of the material displacement of steel by plastic, the large number of derelict cars and the advent of scrap shredder. The results of elemental composition analysis have shown that wastes contain heavy metals and extracts with n-hexane. Leaching procedures, especially TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) has yielded high lead concentration in leachate. There is increasing needs for the development of appropriate treatment process and alternation of design or manufactureing of automobiles which will reduce the amount of wastes and toxicity. The solution of the problems of shredder wastes depends not only on the promotion or results of these R & D but also on the improvement in the economic and/or social conditions.

Key words: shredder wastes, derelict cars, leaching procedure, hazardous materials, appropriate treatment system