Caratterizzazione e valorizzazione di una frazione di scarto da trattamento meccanico dei RAEE.

The management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) has become a central challenge in the circular based economy we have today. That is because these complex materials inherently combine environmental risks with a significant potential for resource recovery. Within this context, the present thesis investigates the characterization and valorization of a fine residual fraction generated by mechanical WEEE treatment processes, commonly referred to as “under-sieve”. The experimental work has been carried out through a joint activity between the Sogliano Ambiente S.p.A. treatment plant and the University of Bologna, including both the Navile campus and the Rimini Technopole. This study adopts an integrated methodological framework, which combines physical separation processes with targeted chemical treatments. In addition, particle size classification and magnetic separation were implemented alongside detailed chemical characterization and selective leaching experiments. The results reveal that, despite its apparent heterogeneity, the under-screen fraction exhibits well-defined distribution patterns of elements. Specifically, selective enrichment phenomena can be observed as a function of both particle size and magnetic properties. These findings provide a solid basis for the definition of process strategies aimed at mitigating the hazardousness of the material and concentrating fractions enriched in potentially valuable components, which can be suitable for subsequent refining steps.