Recovery of Metals from E-waste: Facts, Methods, Challenges, Case Studies, and Sustainable Solutions

The growing issue of electronic waste (E-waste), driven by the exponential growth in electronic device usage, presents significant environmental and economic challenges. E-waste production has surged, increasing by ∼2 million metric tonnes (Mt) annually, reaching 60 Mt in 2023, with projections suggesting it will exceed 70 Mt by 2030. Despite China, the United States, and India being the top E-waste producers, their recycling rates remain critically low at 16%, 15%, and 1%, respectively. E-waste contains valuable metals, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu), which comprise ∼60% of its composition. However, only 17.4% of the global E-waste was appropriately recycled in 2023. This Review discusses the latest data on E-waste, evaluates current metal recovery methods, and emphasizes the urgency of sustainable solutions to mitigate environmental hazards and promote a circular economy. The paper also covers case studies highlighting challenges and potential strategies for enhancing metal recovery efficiency, contributing significantly to global sustainability efforts and waste management.