The reuse of electronic components from waste printed circuit boards: a critical review

Abstract

As a key component of all electrical and electronic equipment, waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are an important target for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) treatment. Over the years, many researchers have developed a variety of means to recycle WPCBs. However, current research into the reuse of undamaged electronic components (ECs) is not as extensive as that conducted on recycling of metals from WPCBs. In fact, most of the ECs on WPCBs still have a high level of functionality and usability at the time of their recycling. Reusing “obsolete ECs” that are far from reaching the end of their useful life will help to mitigate the excessive carbon emissions associated with the mass manufacture of components, save scarce resources and eliminate potential exposure to hazardous substances. Therefore, we will discuss the current recycling system of WPCBs in different regions of the world, and then introduce the research progress of recycling of ECs on WPCBs from both theoretical and applied aspects. First, this paper analyzes 1788 related literature studies through CiteSpace and it was found that although there is more research on recycling of WPCBs in developing countries such as China and Indonesia, there is still a gap between it and practical industrial applications. The paper then presents the theoretical foundation and research progress of the research related to the reuse of ECs. More efficient and less damaging disassembly methods imply higher reuse rates and higher economic efficiency. Choosing the appropriate disassembly method according to different board types is the first and key step in reusing ECs on WPCBs.