Heinz Böni

Bio: Heinz Böni is an academic researcher from University of St. Gallen. The author has contributed to research in topics: Material flow analysis & Extended producer responsibility. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 13 publications receiving 1452 citations. Previous affiliations of Heinz Böni include Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology.

Where Do Our Resources Go? Indium, Neodymium, and Gold Flows Connected to the Use of Electronic Equipment in Switzerland

Abstract: The increased use of digital information and communications technologies (ICT) is giving rise to fast-growing waste streams that contain important material resources. In contrast to bulk materials and precious metals, the recovery of most critical metals has not yet been commercially established, and they are thus lost within the recycling process. In this article, we used dynamic material flow analysis to explore the stocks and flows of indium, neodymium, and gold incorporated in end-user devices in Switzerland. Our analysis covered the use, collection, recycling, and disposal phases. This enabled us to track the three metals from their entry into Switzerland as components of new devices until their recovery, disposal in landfills, or dissipation to the environment. Using statistical entropy analysis (SEA), we further analyzed the dilution or concentration of the metals during their route through the current system. The data uncertainty was addressed employing a probabilistic approach. The largest quantities of all three metals are found in the devices currently in use. The second-largest stocks are slags disposed in landfills for indium, slags used for construction for neodymium, and the output of metal recovery processes for gold. The SEA illustrates how the current collection and recycling system successfully concentrates all three metals. While 70% of gold leaving the use phase is recovered, indium and neodymium are dissipated to slags after smelting and incineration processes due to the lack of economic incentives and lacking recovery processes on a commercial scale.

Insights from a decade of development cooperation in e-waste management

Abstract: This paper presents insights from a decade of development cooperation projects in electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) management and associated research activities, conducted by Empa’s Technology and Society Lab together with a number of international partners. The quantification of e-waste volumes is a prerequisite for the development of sustainable solutions in developing countries. Challenges include getting an understanding of the accuracy of data and the dynamic behavior of e-waste flows and their constituents. In addition, the thermodynamic and physical properties of the material mix found in e-waste needs to be understood in order to achieve efficient recovery of the material resources. The past and still on-going application of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment will remain a dominant issue in sustainable e-waste management systems in the future, if environmental, health and safety hazards, as well as cross-contamination into recovered secondary resources, are to be avoided. Furthermore, tailored solutions will have to take into account the informal nature of e-waste recycling in developing countries. Although continuing miniaturization of electronic devices can be observed, overall volumes and mass flows are expected to increase steadily in the future, as appliances are getting cheaper and hence more accessible, especially in the non-saturated markets of developing countries.

Human Development Report 2011. Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All

Abstract: The 2011 Human Development Report argues that the urgent global challenges of sustainability and equity must be addressed together – and identifies policies on the national and global level that could spur mutually reinforcing progress towards these interlinked goals. Bold action is needed on both fronts, the Report contends, if the recent human development progress for most of the world’s poor majority is to be sustained, for the benefit of future generations as well as for those living today. Past Reports have shown that living standards in most countries have been rising – and converging – for several decades now. Yet the 2011 Report projects a disturbing reversal of those trends if environmental deterioration and social inequalities continue to intensify, with the least developed countries diverging downwards from global patterns of progress by 2050.The Report shows further how the world’s most disadvantaged people suffer the most from environmental degradation, including in their immediate personal environment, and disproportionately lack political power, making it all the harder for the world community to reach agreement on needed global policy changes. The Report also outlines great potential for positive synergies in the quest for greater equality and sustainability, especially at the national level. The Report further emphasizes the human right to a healthy environment, the importance of integrating social equity into environmental policies, and the critical importance of public participation and official accountability. The 2011 Report concludes with a call for bold new approaches to global development financing and environmental controls, arguing that these measures are both essential and feasible.