International cooperation to transform electronic waste into resources

E-waste Recycling  |  2026-11-04 23:37:50   |   By

Connecting researchers in the UK and Malaysia, the project aims for more sustainable material recovery methods, contributing to the development of a circular economy .

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Electronic waste contains many precious metals and raw materials essential for modern production. Photo: Circular Online.

Mr. Sadish Oumabady, Young Ambassador of the Commonwealth Waste Management Association (CIWM), introduced the iRECYCLE- Malaysia project led by Professor Peter Nockemann. The project is funded through the UK Government's Ayrton Fund, spearheaded by Queen's University Belfast, in collaboration with the University of Malaya and Petronas University of Technology.

Connecting researchers in the UK and Malaysia, the project aims for more sustainable material recovery methods, contributing to the development of a circular economy .

Recovering valuable materials from discarded equipment.

Each year, the world generates over 60 million tons of electronic waste, one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. Technological advancements and changes in consumer behavior are shortening product lifespans, leading to an increase in discarded devices.

Meanwhile, demand for materials for digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and electric vehicles continues to rise. Utilizing metals from discarded equipment can help reduce reliance on natural resource extraction, limit environmental impact, and enhance the resilience of the supply chain.

However, recovering materials from electronic waste remains a major challenge due to the complex structure of the devices, making metal extraction difficult. Many products contain recoverable materials, but safely and efficiently separating them remains a difficult technical problem.

Printed circuit boards are a prime example. Although they represent only a small percentage of total electronic waste, they contain many valuable materials, with metal content in some cases even higher than in natural ore.

To harness this resource, technological improvements, policy refinements, and enhanced coordination among stakeholders are necessary. This is also the approach taken by iRECYCLE-Malaysia.

The research team combines expertise in engineering, chemistry, environmental science , and social science, while also working with businesses and policymakers. The goal is to address the technical requirements, economic efficiency, and social issues in e-waste management.

According to the project's approach, developing a circular economy for electronics requires understanding the entire value chain, connecting research with industry needs, and selecting commercially viable solutions.

In its first year, the 2025-2026 period, the project established a shared research infrastructure and strengthened relationships between research institutions in both countries. Workshops and community activities in Kuala Lumpur and Belfast also provided opportunities for exchange on resource recovery and the circular use of electronic products.

Integrate recycling technology into the entire product lifecycle.

The research focus of iRECYCLE-Malaysia is the development of methods for recovering valuable materials from discarded electronic devices, especially printed circuit boards.

Scientists are researching more environmentally friendly chemical and biological techniques for recovering metals such as copper and gold. These methods aim to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and limit reliance on energy-intensive processes.

Collecting and sorting discarded electronic devices helps recover valuable materials for recycling. Photo: Hummingbird International.

The project also investigates ways to better handle plastics and plastic-containing materials in electronic products. These components are often difficult to recycle and can have environmental impacts if not properly managed. Cleaner separation and recovery processes will help utilize both metallic and non-metallic components.

One priority is putting research results into practice. The team is exploring ways to integrate each technology into a commercially viable recycling system, bridging the gap between the laboratory and industrial production.

In addition to technological development, the project utilizes lifecycle assessment, technical-economic analysis, and material flow studies to consider environmental impacts, greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency, and costs. These assessments help select solutions that meet technical, environmental, and financial requirements.

However, recycling is only one part of the circular economy. A more systemic approach is needed, considering the entire lifecycle of electronic products. Extending product lifespan through repair and refurbishment, designing products for easy disassembly and recovery, and developing markets for recycled materials can all help reduce reliance on naturally occurring resources.

These solutions help reduce the need for natural resource extraction, create business opportunities, and increase the stability of material supplies. For the UK and many other countries, this is an increasingly urgent requirement as the demand for materials for digital transformation , renewable energy, and net-zero emissions targets grows.

Transitioning to a circular economy requires a shift in perspective regarding e-waste, viewing it as a valuable resource for sustainable development. Interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing between countries, and the participation of stakeholders in the value chain will help build practical and scalable solutions.

Electronic waste is a global challenge, but it also opens up opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Coupled with evidence-based decisions, these efforts can transform today's waste into a resource for the future.

Courtesy: www.vietnam.vm