Abstract
Among the major problems, that humanity has to face, are: the rational solid waste management,
the minimization of environmental harmful effects, the effective management of raw materials and the component's recovery of the waste-circuit, so that quality of the environment and life will be improved. The electronic wastes, also called e-wastes, are among the most important solid wastes and their quantities are significantly increased. These are wastes which contain toxic and hazardous substances, as well as, recyclable materials.
According to the framework of the European Union's environmental policy for the problem of
electric - electronic wastes, the directive WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
was instituted. WEEE proposes the right way of management and treatment of electronic wastes (e-wastes). The directive was published taking into consideration the decisions about Sustainable Development.
Based on this directive, and applies the following method of recycling of electronic wastes,
aiming at the rational management of these wastes and at recovery of metals of them.
In the first stage, the dismantling of the electrical and electronic equipment is applied after the
collection, in order that parts that contain toxic and hazardous substances ares removed.
These parts, as toxic and hazardous wastes, require special treatment. Next, the parts, which
can be reused are separated, as spare parts for the same or other use.
Finally, the parts, which can be recycled, are separated from all the other materials, and they
are led to the beginning of the life cycle, as secondary raw materials. Parts, which are not
cost-effective to be recycled for material recovery, are led to the energy recycling. The landfill
disposal is the last ring of the chain and it should be avoided when it is possible.
One material category, which is possible to be recovered, so that the materials can be led
to the beginning of their life cycle, is the group of metals, which their recycling value is very
important. After the dismantling, the parts with high content in metals are separated and led to further treatment. Fragmentation of these parts that contain metals take place and then the fragments are
treated with acids, in order to turn these metals from solid to solvent form.
The electrochemical recovery method that is applied, makes possible the separation of metals.
Specifically, the metals are reduced by their ionic form and are separated by the electric field
effect. In this process, insoluble anode is used, in contrary to other methods of electrolysis
This method aims at the recovery of metals from electronic wastes, which contains high purity
metals. It is sought that the process should have high recovery rate.
During the application of this particular method is also attempted the minimization of
friendly method of metals recovery.
Chania - Greece, June 30 - July 4 2003.
Keywords: Materials
Recycling, Sustainability