Back to: SRI Online Training on E-Waste Management

 

 

Unproblematic fractions

In this section of the module, we’ll be exploring the different types of unproblematic fractions, as well as the valuable materials that can be obtained from them.

Copper scrap

  • Copper is fully recyclable and non-toxic during it’s use.
  • Copper is found in nearly all electronic devices. Mainly in cables, magnetic deflectors, coils and conductors due to its high electrical conductivity.
  • Copper alloys (bronze and brass) can also be found in WEEE.
  • Copper prices are very fluctuant and depend strongly on the material quality.

Valuable resources:

  • Copper

Hazardous/Toxic substance:

  • Copper
Copper sheets & braid:
  • Pure
Motors and transformer coils:
  • Mechanical separation (copper/iron) or direct valorization in Cu smelter
Deflector coil from CRT:
  • Mechanical separation (copper/iron) or direct valorization in Cu smelter

Aluminum scrap

  • Aluminum can be found in all WEEE.
  • Main application of aluminum are heat sinks or parts of casings or frames.
  • Aluminum is non-magnetic and can thus easily be distinguished from Ferrous metal scrap.
  • Aluminum prices are very fluctuant and depend strongly on the material quality.

Valuable resources:

  • Aluminum
Sheet aluminum:
  • From casings & frames
Cast aluminum:
  • Hard drive, heat sinks
Heat sinks:
  • From cooling circuits

Ferrous scrap

  • Present in WEEE as parts of casings, screws, motor and transformer casings etc.
  • Iron and steel scrap is magnetic and can thus be easily identified.
  • Stainless steel is generally not painted, shiny, without rust and heavier than aluminum.

Valuable resources:

  • Iron / Steel
  • Steel-alloys (stainless etc.)
Light iron/steel (sheet)
  • From casings
Stainless steel:
  • From Washing machine or tumbler drum
  • From casings
High-alloy chrome-nickel steel
  • Electron gun from CRT

Glass, Wood, Cardboard, Paper

  • Flat glass from copier/scanner etc.
  • Wood from speaker etc.
  • Cardboard from packaging
  • Paper left in Printers

Valuable resources:

  • Glass
  • Wood
  • Cardboard
  • Paper
Flat glass
  • From copier / scanner
Wood
  • From speaker
Cardboard
  • From packaging
Paper
  • Left in printers