‘Crush and zap’ recycles circuit boards more cleanly

Researchers in China are working on ways to recycle PCBs (Printed circuit boards) – for the most part PCBs from gadgets, consumer electronics and everything else is usually just tossed in a landfill –

Electronic circuits in discarded computers, cellphones and other devices could be recycled less harmfully using a technique developed by researchers in China. Unlike current methods, it can be used to reclaim valuable metals such as copper without releasing toxic fumes into the air.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are made from insulating layers of fibreglass and resin with electronic components and interconnecting circuitry on top. The number of PCBs being manufactured worldwide is growing by around 9% every year, with China and Taiwan alone producing more than 200 million square metres of circuitry each year.

‘Crush and zap’ recycles circuit boards more cleanly – tech – 27 February 2007 – New Scientist Tech – [via] Link.

Related:
PCB projects @ MAKE – Link.