E-Waste
E-Waste: From Disposal Problem to Resource Opportunity
Digitalization has transformed modern life – but it also has a downside: every year, millions of tons of electronic waste (e-waste) are generated worldwide. From smartphones and laptops to televisions, household appliances, and industrial electronics – devices considered “waste” often contain valuable raw materials. Many components include precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, as well as strategically important elements like copper, tantalum, and rare earths. Recovering these materials is essential – both ecologically and economically.
From Scrap to Resource
The efficient recovery of these valuable substances starts with precise analytical characterization of the input materials. This is where the expertise of the Institut für Materialprüfung Glörfeld GmbH (IMG) comes into play. With over 45 years of experience in elemental analysis, IMG delivers reliable testing for all e-waste fractions – from printed circuit boards and contact materials to slags and ashes from recycling processes.
High-Precision Analysis
Accurate determination of metal content is the foundation of any viable recycling strategy. IMG offers a broad spectrum of advanced methods:
- Fire Assay (Cupellation) provides precise results for precious metals, even in complex and heterogeneous samples.
- X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) delivers a rapid, non-destructive overview of major elements.
- ICP-OES enables accurate quantification of medium to high metal concentrations.
- ICP-MS detects even trace elements – essential for high-value electronic waste.
- For particularly difficult matrices, Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS) is available in cooperation with our partner company Elmaspecs GmbH.
Responsibility for People and the Environment
Proper e-waste management protects not only natural resources but also prevents the release of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, or brominated flame retardants. Through precise chemical analytics, IMG makes a vital contribution to efficient, environmentally responsible, and transparent recycling processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is considered electronic waste (e-waste)?
E-waste includes discarded electronic equipment such as computers, smartphones, TVs, household appliances, printed circuit boards, and industrial electronics.
Why is e-waste analysis important?
These materials often contain high-value metals (e.g., gold, silver, platinum) as well as hazardous substances. Accurate analysis ensures efficient, safe, and economically sound recycling.
Welche Fraktionen analysiert IMG?
We analyze all fractions such as circuit boards, contact materials, cables, ashes, slag and shredder residues.
Who benefits from these analyses?
Our customers are recycling companies, waste disposal companies, precious metal dealers, plant manufacturers, public authorities and research institutes.
Which analysis methods are used?
The methods used include docimasy (fire assay), XRF, ICP-OES, ICP-MS and GDMS – depending on the sample type and the desired analysis objective.