Development of innovative recycling technologies for sustainable electronic waste management in the United States

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a fast-growing waste stream rich in valuable materials yet poses serious environmental challenges if not managed sustainably. This study develops an innovative recycling process for e-waste that integrates advanced hydrometallurgical and biotechnological techniques, aiming to improve metal recovery efficiency and environmental performance. A comprehensive literature review highlights the limitations of conventional methods and the latest advancements in hydrometallurgy and bioleaching. Building on these insights, we designed a hybrid recycling methodology combining selective bioleaching and optimized chemical extraction. Key process parameters were systematically optimized using statistical design of experiments, and rigorous validation (including regression modeling, sensitivity analysis, and inferential statistics) confirmed the robustness of the process. The results demonstrate significantly higher recovery rates for precious and base metals compared to traditional approaches, while reducing hazardous reagent consumption. In discussion, we compare our findings with prior studies to underscore the novelty and broader implications for sustainable e-waste management. Finally, we provide recommendations for translating this technology into practice in the United States through supportive policies and future research directions. The proposed approach advances the field of e-waste recycling by offering a cleaner, more efficient solution that could bolster the circular economy and critical materials supply chain.