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Challenges in Metal Recycling

Bibliographic Data

ID23344903
AuthorsBarbara K Reck (0000-0002-1594-4245, Yale University, corresponding author), T E Graedel (0000-0002-4007-3189, Yale University)
Year2012
Volume337
Issue6095
Pages690-695
Publication date2012-08-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueScience (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0036-8075 • E-ISSN: 0193-4511
PublisherAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1126/science.1217501
PMID22879508
OpenAlexW2061216116
LanguageEN
Citations received54
References cited47

Metals 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.

Biochemical engineering · Business · Closed loop · Closure (psychology) · Economics · Environmental economics · Process engineering · Product (mathematics) · Risk analysis (engineering) · Software deployment · Waste management · Computer Science · Engineering · Environmental Science · Extraction and Separation Processes · Mathematics · Metal Extraction and Bioleaching · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques

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Unique citing works54
Citations per year4,15
Citation span2013 - 2026 (14)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 52

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