Improving the End-of-Life for Electronic Materials via Sustainable Recycling Methods

Abstract

Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. (ATMI) has developed a novel process based on green chemistry and green engineering methodologies for reclaiming valuable materials from waste electronics. We have demonstrated that we can recover metals and valuable components from end-of-life products using cost-effective, sustainable, and scalable methods (e.g., systems that are closed-loop, energy efficient and environmentally benign). This includes both chemical desoldering and precious metal reclaim from printed wiring boards (PWBs) and integrated circuits (ICs) near room temperature with all metals recovered and resold. Our current system is processing approximately 400 lbs. per hour of high value printed wiring boards.