RECOVERY OF VALUABLE METALS FROM WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Sustainable cities and communities

For achieving the objectives

Agenda 2030

ENEA has developed a technology allowing the recovery of valuable metals from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This kind of waste must be correctly disposed in order to avoid both significant risks for the environment and health, especially for the people involved without any precautions or protection, and soil, groundwater and food chain contamination. This situation is particularly relevant in developing countries.

 

017-recupero.jpgBenefits and Advantages:

  • Correct management of printed circuit boards from WEEE
  • Recovery of valuable metals
  • Transfer of innovative technology

 

ENEA Service:

  • technical support

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Romeo pilot plant

  • consulting
  • training
  • design

 

ENEA Activities:

ENEA has developed a pilot plant, named ROMEO (Recycling Of MEtals by hydrOmetallurgy), to test the industrial potential of the recovery process of high value-added materials from printed circuit boards and other kinds of waste, such as spent fluorescent lamps and permanent magnets.

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Men at work during informal WEEE treatment

Keywords:
WEEE, printed circuit boards, hydrometallurgy, precious metals, contamination, waste, disposal, health.

References

Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability
Technologies for integrated waste, wastewater and secondary raw materials management Laboratory

Contacts