Project for recycling electronic cards

2003/01/23 Andonegi Beristain, Garazi - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa

• Elektronika
• Birziklatzea

Within the project they will develop an innovative technology. This technology will consist of two sections: first the reusable components of the electronic cards will be distributed and, later, the materials of the printed circuits that contain the telephones, televisions, etc. The number of small parts in printed circuits, the type of components, welding and materials used in the production greatly hinder their distribution, recycling and reuse.

The main objective of this project is to replace the lead of the circuits. This material is considered dangerous and current European legislation reduces its use. This material until now was used as a component of the solder of printed circuits and is now intended to be replaced by alloys of tin, silver and copper with lower risk for the environment. This aims to reduce the impacts on the environment and human health.

The project includes important international organizations that reflect the economic importance of recycling of valuable materials. In fact, on printed circuits of electronic cards, gold, silver, platinum, etc. They are used. In Spain, 200,000 tons of electronic waste were generated in 2000. In Europe, the emission of 7.4 million tons is expected in 2004.

The project will focus on an important international consortium with technology centers, companies and universities in Europe and Korea and Japan.