| Title |
A Study on Current Status and Trends of Recycling Used Water Purifier Filters |
| Authors |
신유정 ( Yu Jeong Shin ) ; 김용인 ( Young In Kim ) ; 김정건 ( Jung Gun Kim ) ; 염성일 ( Seong Il Yeom ) ; 이도균 ( Do Gyun Lee ) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.15681/KSWE.2021.37.5.398 |
| Keywords |
Recycling; Trend analysis; Used water purifier filters; Waste |
| Abstract |
The use of water purifiers has been increasing every year due to increased drinking water safety concerns raised by the water pollution accidents occasionally reported. Currently, more than 10 million water purifiers have been distributed in Korea, and the estimation of the purifier sales reaches two million units per year. As a result, the number of used water purifier filters that must be replaced on a regular basis has gradually increased. However, regardless of the considerations for the capacity of used filters remaining, water purifier filters were replaced and collected at regular intervals. The high cost of disposal of the used filters by landfill or incineration were required. Thus, in this study, the current status and trends of recycling technologies for used water purifier filters were reviewed. It is noted that there was insufficient statistical data to understand the current status of the difference between the number of used water filters discarded and the number of those recycled. Most studies on the recycling of old water purifier filters have concentrated on pretreatment and cleaning methods for sediment filters and membrane filters, with the goal of extending the lifespan of used filters. Further, the study suggested future study directions on the recycling of used water purifier filters, which could be useful information on establishing environmental policy to promote the recycling of used filters. |