The recycling of complex electronic waste, such as lithium batteries and motherboards, poses significant challenges due to the presence of critical raw materials that are both scarce and non-renewable. This creates obstacles for economic and social development. To address this issue and pave the way for a sustainable future, the RECRITIC Project has been initiated by Aimplas, the Plastics Technology Centre, in collaboration with ACTECO and the GBP Metal Group.

Supported by funding from the Valencian Institute for Competitiveness and Innovation (IVACE+i), the RECRITIC Project aims to recover and recycle critical raw materials (CRM) identified by the European Commission. These materials are vital for the production of various technological products and applications, including those used in alternative energy sources like wind and solar power.

Eva Verdejo, the lead researcher of the Chemical Recycling Group at Aimplas, emphasized the importance of recycling CRMs found in everyday electronic devices. She explained that materials such as lithium, gold, and silicon are not only present in mobile phones and computers but also crucial for the development of sustainable energy infrastructure.

The project seeks to achieve complete recycling and zero landfill, aligning with European legislation on the circular economy and waste management. To accomplish this, the RECRITIC Project will explore mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling processes. Collaboration with recycling companies, as well as academic institutions like the Universitat Jaume I (UJI) and the Universitat de València, will play a crucial role in assessing the environmental impact and conducting substance analysis.

Funded by the IVACE grant program for technological centers in the Valencian Community, the RECRITIC Project represents a significant step towards sustainable waste management and the promotion of a circular economy.