The Potential and Limitations of Critical Raw Material Recycling: The Case of LED Lamps

Supply risks and environmental concerns drive the interest in critical raw material recycling European Union. Globally, waste electrical electronic equipment (WEEE) is projected to increase by almost 40% until 2030. This stream can be a source of secondary materials. The determination economic feasibility recovering specific materials data-intensive, time-consuming, case-specific task. study introduced two-part evaluation scheme consisting upper continental crust concentrations prices as simple tool indicate potential limitations recycling. It was applied case light-emitting diodes (LED) lamps EU. A flow analysis conducted, amounts were analyzed using new scheme. Indium, gallium, rare earth elements appeared low absolute masses showed only small revenue potential. Precious metals represented largest share. Future research should confirm validity usefulness