United Nations' study: Metal recycling rates are low

June 1, 2011 - Metal recycling rates are "discouragingly low" and a society of widespread recycling "appears no more than a distant hope," according to a report released by the United Nations Environment Program.

Of 60 metals studied by the UNEP, less than a third have recycling rates above 50%. More than half -- 34 -- have recycling rates of less than 1%.

Lead is the most recycled metal (about 80%), according to the report. Other important metals such as Indium -- which is used in semiconductors, energy efficient light emitting diodes (LEDs), advanced medical imaging and photovoltaics -- are virtually never recycled.

The report, titled "Recycling Rates of Metals: A Status Report," is the UNEP's first attempt to study the extent to which metals are collected, processed and reused in new products, according to Thomas Graedel, a professor of industrial ecology at Yale University and one of the report's eight authors.

"By failing to recycle metals and simply disposing of these kinds of metal, economies are foregoing important environmental benefits and increasing the possibility of shortages," Graedel said. "If we do not have these materials readily available at reasonable prices, a lot of modern technology simply cannot happen."

Contact Waste & Recycling News editor John Campanelli at 313-446-6767 or jcampanelli@crain.com

(Source:www.wasterecyclingnews.com)

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