Sustainability in reverse osmosis membranes waste management: Environmental and socioeconomic assessment

End-of-life reverse osmosis (EoL-RO) elements are a valuable product currently disposed into the landfill. However, other noble destination options need to be taken into consideration. Direct reuse and conversion to other types of membranes have already been technically addressed and proved their feasibility, for example. Nevertheless, from a sustainable perception, they need to be assessed in terms of their environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Hence, this work integrated an environmental life-cycle assessment to a socioeconomic evaluation of five disposal options for the EoL-RO elements in Brazil. Regarding environmental aspects, results converged from those seen for developing countries, where direct reuse and conversion to the UF membrane posed as better options. Additionally, recycling of parts presented itself as the most inexpensive alternative (U$$ 0.36/element). On the social aspect, recycling was outreached by reuse and conversion to the UF membrane, since these two would hopefully provide regular jobs with greater social security.