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How to Sort Electronic Scrap for Smelting

Each year, many millions of used computers, televisions, cell phones, and other electronic devices are discarded, as consumers replace them with more up-to-date models. This creates a huge environmental problem, as landfills are already overflowing, and many electronic items contain toxic materials such as lead and mercury. It also creates an economic and environmental opportunity, since it is more efficient, and if done right, more environmentally friendly, to recycle metals in electronic devices than to dig for the same metals underground. Once the discarded electronic devices have been collected, the first step is to sort through the scrap.

Things You'll Need

Protective eyeware
Dust mask
Work gloves
Metal shredding device
Strong magnet
Eddy current separator

Instructions

- 1
  Sort through the scrap visually for any items that may still be usable. Many discarded computers are still in working condition, and if they are not obsolete, they are much more valuable than their individual components. Plug and play devices that appear to be in working order, and set aside those that work for resale or donation.
- 2
  Remove the batteries from non-functioning cell phones and other devices. Batteries typically contain a different mixture of metals than the rest of the electronic hardware, and should be smelted separately. Remove any mercury-bearing lamps and switches as well, since mercury is highly toxic, as well as any ink cartridges.
- 3
  Dismantle the remaining devices to remove any reusable components, especially from computers. Some computer repair shops can use old parts.
- 4
  Shred the remaining scrap. This makes the sorting procedures for iron and other metals more effective.
- 5
  Pass the shredded scrap underneath a strong magnet. This will remove much of the iron from the scrap for separate smelting. Repeating this step, with additional shredding between the repetitions, will increase the amount of iron separated out, but it may also cause the loss of precious metals in the material.
- 6
  Run the remaining scrap over an eddy current separator. This device temporarily magnetizes aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, allowing them to be separated from the remaining glass and plastic.

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