Challenges in Metal Recycling
2012; American Association for the Advancement of Science; Volume: 337; Issue: 6095 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1126/science.1217501
ISSN1095-9203
AutoresBarbara K. Reck, T. E. Graedel,
Tópico(s)Metal Extraction and Bioleaching
ResumoMetals are infinitely recyclable in principle, but in practice, recycling is often inefficient or essentially nonexistent because of limits imposed by social behavior, product design, recycling technologies, and the thermodynamics of separation. We review these topics, distinguishing among common, specialty, and precious metals. The most beneficial actions that could improve recycling rates are increased collection rates of discarded products, improved design for recycling, and the enhanced deployment of modern recycling methodology. As a global society, we are currently far away from a closed-loop material system. Much improvement is possible, but limitations of many kinds--not all of them technological--will preclude complete closure of the materials cycle.
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