Flotation as a Method for Metal Recovery from Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

Abstract

Technological advancement and the accelerating growth of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) pose major challenges for resource recovery, particularly of metals embedded in printed circuit boards (PCBs). This study evaluates the effectiveness of flotation for the selective separation of metals from the non-metallic fractions of PCBs. Flotation experiments were conducted under various reagent regimes (different types and dosages). The investigation covered both the physicochemical properties of PCB feed material and the influence of process parameters on metal recovery. Results demonstrate that flotation can enhance the recovery of valuable metals while simultaneously minimizing material losses and mitigating environmental impacts, fully supporting circular economy principles. The work underscores the need to optimise technological parameters and to integrate flotation with other PCB recycling stages, thereby fostering more sustainable electronic waste management strategies.