SMaRT PCBs - Sustainable Materials Recycling Technology for Printed Circuit Boards

CONTEXT

Nowadays, Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) pervade most domestic, work, and industrial environments, with their use becoming essential in modern society, contributing to improving living standards in the globalized world. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020, the total weight of EEE consumption increases by 2.5 million tons (Mt) each year, leading to growing challenges associated with the management and recycling of such equipment.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is subject to specific attention from both European and non-European directives due to the quantity of waste generated each year and the related logistical, environmental, and human health problems associated with their disposal.

THE PROJECT

In this context, SMaRT PCBs - Sustainable Materials Recycling Technology for Printed Circuit Boards was initiated in June 2022, with a duration of 36 months. The project sets the following primary objectives, aligning with European and national directives on proper WEEE management and the implementation of circular economy models:

Validate an innovative environmentally friendly integrated technology for recovering precious metals and plastic-glass components from a selection of WEEE, specifically PCBs from PCs/cell phones and components rich in gold, silver, palladium, and copper.
Generate recycled materials of high interest for the market to enhance circularity by promoting the use of secondary raw materials instead of virgin material.
Minimize process waste (ZERO-WASTE) to limit resource loss.
Assess the technical, economic, and environmental sustainability of a "pilot chain" aimed at innovative and sustainable recovery and enhancement of such waste/resources.

The partners in this project aim to innovate the market for the recovery of WEEE rich in noble metals, focusing on both the maximum sustainability of processes with a high recovery rate of the metallic and non-metallic fraction and providing the market with recycled products that are appealing in terms of cost and functionality.

In the long term, SMaRT PCBs aims to be a launching pad for the creation of new business models for the sustainable management of WEEE with a high degree of circularity.

PARTNERS

University of Cagliari (lead partner)
University of Brescia
Gold Fixing Srl
Vesti Solidale Soc.Coop.
Lombardy Energy Cleantech Cluster - LE2C

For more information, visit the project's website: https://www.smartpcbs.it/.