Technological and environmental aspects of electronic waste recycling

This article reviews recent literature related to electronic waste (E-waste) processing. The extraction of precious metals is shown as the main economic driver of E-waste processing. The study methodology is based on collecting and analyzing statistical data and performing comparative analytical methods. The theoretical aspect is based on a critical analysis of the research of Russian and international authors.This article highlights the current pyro-, hydro-, and biometallurgical processing methods used for extraction of precious metals from E-waste. A comparative analysis of known technologies for E-waste processing is performed; their advantages and disadvantages are shown to achieve a cleaner waste disposal process.The technological and environmental aspects of E-waste processing, as well as the effect of toxic substances and harmful components in E-waste processing, have been subjected to a detailed analysis. According to the analysis results, existing technologies must be revised for a comprehensive solution to environmental problems.The increasing E-waste formation demonstrates the necessity of new approaches and the development of innovative technologies for E-waste processing. The use of E-waste as an additional source of raw materials to produce precious and other valuable metals seems very promising.