Recycling Potential Of Rare Earth Elements And Cobalt In Weee Batteries

Diploma Thesis from the year 2013 in the subject Engineering - Industrial Engineering and Management, grade: 1,0, Technical University of Berlin (Institut für Technischen Umweltschutz - Fachgebiet Abfallwirtschaft), language: English, abstract: [...] Since the majority of Li-ion and NiCd batteries and a large amount of NiMH batteries is disposed of along with the devices they were employed in as energy sources, a huge potential of REE and cobalt is inherent in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This thesis inquires about the role of REE and cobalt in WEEE-batteries and assesses the total contained quantities and the actual recovered quantities of REE and cobalt contained in WEEE-batteries. Thereby, the investigation focused on WEEE-batteries of a group of selected equipment types which did arise as waste from the German consumer sector in 2011. For the investigation, a calculation model was developed and furnished by data acquired through literature and market research, plant visits, expert interviews and experimental surveys. The results show that from a theoretical recycling potential of 41.7 ± 7.2 tons of REE in WEEE-batteries, no REE are currently recovered in the sense of a functional recycling. Of the 364.3 ± 63.7 tons of cobalt contained in WEEE-batteries, only 47.8 ± 13.7 tons were separately recovered. The low collection rate of battery powered WEEE was identified as a main causal factor. To increase the collected amount of WEEE-batteries [...]

Recycling of waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) traditionally focuses on large quantities of waste materials such as plastics. However, some product groups in the WEEE contain hidden treasures in the form of critical metals. This project assesses the critical metals' waste handling as part of five selected product groups, in the Nordic region. The environmental and economic benefits from the recycling of these metals currently and in the near future is quite substantial, mainly due to the presence of significant quantities of gold in the selected products. In order to contribute further to the circular economy concept, the Nordic countries should pay attention not only to quantitative but also to qualitative aspects of recycling, in order to capture recyclable materials that, although in small quantities, their recycling brings a high economic and environmental value.

Tracking environmental impacts in global product chains - Rare Earth Metals and other critical metals used in the cleantech industry. Metals form a central part of the global economy, but their extraction and supply are linked to several environmental and social concerns. This study aims to create a picture of the supply chain of Rare Earth Metals (REMs) and other critical metals used in the clean technology (cleantech) sectors of electric vehicles and solar panels. The study examines how Nordic cleantech companies are aware and acting on the challenges related to the lifecycle of these metals and what are the potentials to minimise environmental and social impacts. Recommendations of the study can be summarised as three initiatives: establishment of an awareness platform and roundtable initiative (short-term), research and information gathering (mid-term), and development of closed-loop solutions (long-term).

Water Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling: Aqueous Recovery Methods provides data regarding the implementation of aqueous methods of processing of WEEEs at the industrial level. Chapters explore points-of-view of worldwide researchers and research project managers with respect to new research developments and how to improve processing technologies. The text is divided into two parts, with the first section addressing the new research regarding the hydrometallurgical procedures adopted from minerals processing technologies. Other sections cover green chemistry, bio-metallurgy applications for WEEE treatment and the current developed aqueous methods at industrial scale. A conclusion summarizes existing research with suggestions for future actions. Provides a one-stop reference for hydrometallurgical processes of metal recovery from WEEE Includes methods presented through intended applications, including waste printed circuit boards, LCD panels, lighting and more Contains suggestions and recommendations for future actions and research prospects

Topics covered in this collection include the following: •Enabling & Understanding Sustainability - Ferrous & Non-ferrous Metals Processing •Understanding & Enabling Sustainability - (Rechargeable) Batteries •Enabling & Understanding Sustainability - Rare Earth Element Applications •Enabling & Understanding Sustainability - Building Materials & Slag Valorisation •Designing Materials and Systems for Sustainability •Understanding & Enabling Sustainability - Light Metals Recycling & Waste Valorisation •Understanding & Enabling Sustainability - Education Research Innovation I •Understanding & Enabling Sustainability - Education Research Innovation II + Electronic Equipment

ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT Current knowledge on electronic waste management strategies, along with future challenges and solutions, supported by case studies Electronic Waste Management maps out numerous aspects of health and environmental impacts associated with electronic waste, thoroughly detailing what we can expect in terms of the use of electronic products and the management of electronic waste in the future. The book assists readers in grasping the fundamentals of the entire e-waste system by covering various factors related to the health and environmental impacts of electronic waste, as well as a perspective on the subject based on current global recycling strategies. Presented in a straightforward and scientific manner, the book also covers many electronic waste management process technologies. By inviting together, a diverse group of experts, including researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals who generously shared their knowledge and experiences in the field to tackling this global issue, Electronic Waste Management enables readers to foster a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding electronic waste and to explore innovative solutions that can help mitigate its adverse effects on the environment and health of human and animals. Sample topics covered in Electronic Waste Management include: Global electronic waste management strategies and different global waste models, including their social, ecological, and economical aspects Economic impacts of e-waste, including cleanup costs and global loss of valuable resources like metals and plastics Value creation from electronic waste (closing the loop) and future prospects in sustainable development Negative impacts of e-waste, including environmental pollution and human health risks, such as when harmful chemicals leach into water sources Electronic Waste Management serves as a highly valuable resource for anyone involved in the global e-waste arena, including producers, users, recyclers, policymakers, academics, researchers, and health workers, by increasing knowledge and awareness surrounding health and environmental impacts that electronic waste poses.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2024-513/ A modern society needs access to critical raw materials (CRM) that are necessary for maintaining and developing its industries, infrastructure and welfare system. Europe has been facing increasing challenges in meeting its need for these materials, which are defined by their high economic importance and significant supply risk. The implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) of EU aims to reduce this vulnerability by establishing a framework to ensure the Union's access to a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. One important measure highlighted by this regulation is to increase CRM recycling. This report describes potential measures and instruments that may be relevant for Nordic countries and territories as tools for hitting the CRM recycling targets that CRMA introduces.