Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) are the most complex fraction of the entire WEEE “basket” due to their multi-metal characteristics, high organic content and diverse mineral components. The current state of art recycling of PCB´s strongly increasing volumes is the integration in pyrometallurgical processes of copper and lead metallurgy. But more and more dedicated treatment concepts, e.g. based on wet chemistry, are coming up. In all scenarios, the intelligent control of the organic compounds content is essential for an economically-viable recovery of the contained metals, as well as for the stability and efficiency of the reactor designs.

This presentation will introduce the different process steps, like thermal conditioning, leaching and smelting, and their impacts on the entire chain e.g. addressing valuable materials outputs and ecological risks. A special focus will be given on the circularity potential of generated by-products like slags, wastewater, energy in off-gas, sewage sludge etc. An example from the current research at IME´s recycling research center will finally be given, presenting the development of a sustainable recycling route for communication devices, integrating digitalized on-line data management and its potential for automatization.