Life Cycle Assessment of Polymer Waste Recycling Methods Using High-pressure Polyethylene and Waste Tyre Rubber as Examples

The life cycle of the proposed ways of polymer materials recycling was assessed. Three scenarios for the recycling of polyolefins and rubber from used tyres are considered: the basic one – incineration, as well as traditional pyrolysis and slow pyrolysis under pressure. For each case an inventory analysis was performed: quantification of input/output streams, development of a material balance sheet and life cycle diagram. The environmental impact of technical solutions was analysed. It is concluded that incineration is unacceptable for both types of waste. It is found that the method of slow pressurised pyrolysis has the lowest risks of environmental impact.