RECYCLING & MATERIAL RECOVERY

At specialized recycling plants, WEEE undergoes a meticulously planned process aimed at maximizing the recovery of valuable secondary raw materials. The recycling process consists of several carefully orchestrated stages, each designed to address the unique challenges presented by different types of WEEE.

​

1. Dismantling and Component Extraction
Recycling begins with the dismantling of WEEE devices. Skilled workers or automated systems disassemble products to extract valuable components such as circuit boards, cables, batteries, and motors. Hazardous substances, such as mercury switches or lead-based solder, are carefully removed and isolated for safe disposal.

​

2. Shredding and Material Breakdown
Following dismantling, the remaining materials are fed into shredders, which break them down into smaller fragments. This stage prepares the materials for sorting, ensuring that each fragment is the right size for efficient processing in subsequent stages.

​

3. Advanced Sorting Technologies
State-of-the-art sorting techniques are employed to separate materials based on their physical and chemical properties. These include:
 

• Magnetic Separation: For isolating ferrous metals like steel.

• Eddy Current Separation: To recover non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and copper.

• Optical Sorting: Uses infrared sensors to differentiate plastics based on polymer type.

• Density Separation: To separate materials by weight, such as plastics from heavier metals.

​

4. Hazardous Material Treatment
Specialized facilities handle substances like refrigerants, asbestos, and lithium-ion batteries. These materials require tailored treatment methods to neutralize their harmful effects and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

​

5. Refining and Material Recovery
Recovered metals such as gold, silver, copper, and aluminum are refined and purified for reuse in manufacturing. Plastics are processed into granules or pellets, ready for reintegration into the production of new goods.

​

6. Secondary Material Reuse
The final stage involves reintegrating these recovered materials into the industrial supply chain. Metals are utilized in electronics, construction, and automotive industries, while plastics find new life in consumer goods and packaging.

​

Environmental and Economic Benefits
By ensuring that WEEE is thoroughly recycled, Italy reduces its reliance on virgin raw materials, minimizes landfill waste, and significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions. The system supports a circular economy, where resources are reused, fostering both environmental sustainability and economic growth.