Electrocycling GmbH

In the early nineties, the Preussag AG Metall started a R&D-project on the processing of electronic waste based on its comprehensive technical knowledge from techniques used in the mining industry. Right from the start, the recovery of raw materials contained in the product flow was just as important as the removal of hazardous components. At that time, old electronic devices were disposed on landfill sites even though they contain a reasonably higher degree of metal than many profitable ores, as pre-studies have shown. In 1994 it was decided to build a facility after the process development had successfully been finished. Two companies, Electrocycling Anlagen GmbH (owner of the facility) and Electrocycling GmbH (operator of the facility), were founded by Deutsche Bundespost Telekom, Siemens AG, Alcatel SELAG, and Noell GmbH to build and run the facility. On a site for industrial purposes nearby the city of Goslar, the facility was erected and started operating in August, 1995.