Belgium re-uses 85% of the metal from recycled computers

The majority of the metals collected from old laptops and computers in Belgium is re-used as raw material, but plastics recycling is still lagging behind, according to the results of a study by the University of Ghent, writes De Standaard.

The researchers collaborated with recycling companies across Belgium to get an idea of the recovery rate of raw material from discarded laptops and computers. They came to the conclusion that about 85% of the rare and heavy metals collected from computers in Belgium are re-used as raw material, such as silver, gold, palladium and copper.

Despite the good score, there is still room for improvement when it comes to the recycling of the plastic parts, which have a recovery rate of only 13%.

The study also shows that the collection of the old electronics could improve, with an estimated 60% of the country's unwanted laptops and computers collecting dust around the house instead of being turned in immediately for recycling.