What is Electronic Scrap?

What is electronic scrap? Detailed information about its types, the recycling process, and its contributions to the environment. Enjoy your reading.

E-WASTE

Ekoteknoloji Blog

1/1/20262 min read

Electronic scrap refers to all electronic devices and equipment that have reached the end of their useful life or have become defective. Due to rapidly advancing technology, the amount of electronic waste is increasing year by year. Proper recycling of this waste not only protects the environment but also creates economic value. Electronic scrap recycling provides sustainable resource management through the valuable metals it contains.

In this article, you will find detailed answers to the questions: What is electronic scrap? What are the types of electronic scrap? And how does the electronic scrap recycling process work?

What is Electronic Scrap?

Electronic scrap consists of computers, mobile phones, electronic boards, industrial electronic equipment, contactors, relays, and similar devices. When these products lose their functionality, they are referred to as “e-waste.” Electronic scrap contains valuable metals such as copper, aluminum, silver, and gold, and therefore should not be discarded as regular waste. Carelessly disposed electronic waste can cause serious environmental problems by polluting the soil, water, and air.Elektronik Hurda Türleri Nelerdir?

In the electronic scrap recycling process, scrap is sorted into different categories. Each type has a different economic value and requires a specific recycling method.

1. Electronic Board Scrap

Computer boards, motherboards, server boards, and industrial control boards fall into this category. Electronic board scrap is among the most valuable types of electronic scrap due to its high content of valuable metals.

2. Industrial Electronic Scrap

From factories:

  • Contactors

  • Relays

  • Circuit Breakers

  • PLC and Automation Equipment

These products are typically handled in bulk quantities and play an important role in industrial recycling.

3. Consumer Electronics Scrap
  • Computers

  • TV

  • Smartphones

  • Printers and Small Household Appliances

Although this type of electronic waste has a lower metal content, it is valuable when collected in large volumes.

4. Cable and Conductor Scrap

Cables from electronic systems hold an important place in recycling due to their copper content.

How Does the Electronic Scrap Recycling Process Work?

The electronic scrap recycling process consists of several key stages. This process should be carried out by professional teams.

1. Collection and Sorting

Electronic scrap is collected from its source (home, workplace, factory) and sorted according to type to prepare it for the recycling process.

2. Preliminary Evaluation

The type, quantity, and metal content of the electronic scrap are determined. Conducting a preliminary evaluation via photos provides a significant advantage for quick pricing.

3. Shredding and Separation

Large electronic scrap is shredded, and components such as metal, plastic, and glass are separated. This stage is one of the most critical points in the recycling process.

4. Recovery

The separated metals are processed to be converted back into raw materials. In this way, electronic scrap recycling helps reduce the consumption of natural resources.

The Importance of Electronic Scrap Recycling

Electronic waste recycling is not only an economic necessity but also an environmental imperative.

  • Protects natural resources

  • Saves energy

  • Reduces environmental pollution

  • Adds value to the economy

Failing to recycle electronic scrap allows heavy metals to leach into the soil and groundwater, which poses long-term risks to human health.

Conclusion: Why is Electronic Scrap Recycling Necessary?

Electronic scrap recycling is an inevitable necessity in the modern world. Proper management of electronic waste at both individual and corporate levels protects the environment, creates economic value, and contributes to building a sustainable future. Instead of discarding your electronic scrap, you can contribute to both the environment and the economy by including it in professional recycling processes.