Solution for PCB Circuit Board Recycling in the UAE: Establishing a Sustainable Disassembly and Recovery Facility

The rapid growth of electronics consumption in the UAE has led to a surge in electronic waste (e-waste), particularly

 printed circuit boards (PCBs), which contain valuable metals and hazardous materials. Establishing a specialized PCB 

recycling facility in the UAE addresses both environmental risks and resource scarcity. This article outlines the types 

of PCBs, the advanced processing workflow of separation equipment, final product purity, and the key challenges

 resolved for clients.

1. Types of PCBs Processed

The UAE’s diverse electronics market generates PCBs from various sectors, necessitating a versatile recycling approach.

 The facility handles:

By Circuit Layers: Single-sided, double-sided, multilayer, and high-density interconnect (HDI) boards (used in smartphones

 and automotive sensors).

By Substrate Material: Rigid boards (computers, industrial controls), flexible boards (wearables), and metal-core boards

 (LED lighting).

By Metal Content: High-grade boards (e.g., server PCBs with 40%+ metal content) and low-grade boards 

(consumer electronics).

This classification ensures tailored processing for optimal recovery efficiency.

2. Advanced Separation Equipment Workflow

The facility employs a multi-stage dry physical separation process, combining mechanical and electrostatic techniques 

to maximize yield and purity:

Step 1: Pre-Treatment & Size Reduction

Dual-Shaft Shredder: Breaks PCBs into 20mm strips.

Coarse Crusher: Reduces strips to ≤10mm particles.

Fine Grinding: Further pulverizes particles to 0.5–2mm, liberating metals from non-metals.

Step 2: Density-Based Separation

Airflow Classifier: Uses centrifugal force to separate heavier copper (density ~8.9 g/cm³) from lighter aluminum and resin

 (density ~1.5–2.0 g/cm³).

Vibrating Screen: Removes oversized particles for reprocessing.

Step 3: High-Precision Electrostatic Separation

Triboelectric Separator: Charges particles via friction and separates them in an electric field. Metals (conductive) are attracted

 to one electrode, while non-metals (insulative) migrate to the other.

Eddy Current Separator: Further refines non-ferrous metals (e.g., aluminum) from residual plastics.

Step 4: Dust Control & Emission Management

Pulse Dust Collector: Captures 99% of airborne particles (e.g., glass fiber, brominated flame retardants), ensuring complianc

e with UAE environmental standards.

3. Final Product Purity & Applications

The facility achieves industry-leading purity levels:

Metals: Copper (99.5% purity), gold (99.9% from electroplating residues), and aluminum (99.2%).

Non-Metals: Glass fiber-reinforced resin powder (≤0.5% metal contamination), repurposed as filler in:

Lipoplast Wood: A composite material for outdoor furniture, decking, and fencing.

Construction Aggregates: Used in lightweight concrete and insulation panels.