Integrating circularity and environmental performance indicators in WEEE recycling technologies

• Grant number: 25/26748-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: April 04, 2026
• End date: November 03, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: José Augusto de Oliveira
• Grantee: Lana Sobral Vieira Escada Monteiro
• Supervisor: Ricardo Gabbay de Souza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus São João da Boa Vista. São João da Boa Vista , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/10248-4 - A systemic approach to metal recovery processes from Printed Circuit Boards oriented by Life cycle assessment and circularity metrics, BP.DR

Abstract

Waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) represents a large portion of generated urban waste, and its poor management can lead to significant environmental impacts. Recycling and recovery are generally considered downstream end-of-life (EoL) strategies; however, they remain unavoidable steps in waste management systems. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are a key component of most electrical and electronic devices, comprised of a wide range of precious and base metals that confer its significant economic value. Heavy metals and brominated flame retardants instead add environmental burden to the product's life cycle. Accordingly, metal recovery from WEEE emerge as an alternative that, is not only economically advantageous but also capable of reducing negative environmental impacts, depending on the technology. Metal recovery is typically carried out in three stages: pre-treatment, concentration, and purification, with multiple methodologies available at each stage. The selection of a specific approach depends on the metals targeted for recovery; however, it should also consider the environmental performance and the circularity potential of the technology. Despite its relevance, scientific literature addressing such combined assessments remains scarce, indicating a clear gap in understanding the overall performance of WEEE recycling processes. Thus, this research aims to investigate WEEE metal recovery processes through an integrated evaluation of environmental performance and circularity. Conducting the project at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) will provide access to advanced laboratory facilities and expertise in sustainable resource management, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Circular Economy, strengthening international research collaboration and enhancing the development and impact of the proposed methodologies. (AU)