LEAD FREE SOLDER RECYCLING

The volume of lead free solder for recycling will increase tremendously in the coming years due to revised alloy specifications in Europe and Japan requiring the use of lead free solder in the manufacture of electronic assemblies.  The intent is to eliminate the presence of lead in “end of life” consumer electronic equipment and appliances thus reducing the possibility of lead “leaching” as a pollutant at landfills. At this time, it is uncertain if lead free solder alloys will be used to manufacture military, medical or automotive electronic assemblies, especially if manufactured in the United States .

 LEAD FREE RECYCLING INFORMATION

1. Collect and accumulate lead free solder ONLY in special GREEN pails provided by Electrum.  (Do not mix lead free with leaded alloys.)

2. Lead free solder alloys are higher in tin content and in many cases include silver.  Accordingly, their recycling value is significantly greater than leaded alloys.  When mixed with leaded alloys the value is greatly reduced since the metal cannot be re-used directly into lead free alloys due to the presence of lead, which is a contaminant!

3. Electrum can recycle lead free solder dross, metal and SMT residues.

4. The method of recycling for lead free alloys is similar to leaded alloys.

5. Environmentally safe recycling of lead free solder involves the proper treatment of  flux chemistry, which mixes with solder dross and must be properly treated during the recycling process to eliminate the possibility of acid emissions.