Urban Mines of Copper: Size and Potential for Recycling in the EU

摘要: Copper is among the most important metals by production volume and variety of applications, providing essential materials goods for human wellbeing. Compared to other world regions, Europe has modest natural reserves copper highly dependent on imports meet domestic demand. Securing access raw strategic relevance recycling urban mines (also named “in-use stock”) a significant mean provide forms secondary European industry. A dynamic material flow analysis model applied characterize flows in Union (EU-28) from 1960 2014 determine accumulation this metal in-use stock. scrap balance approach reconcile sent estimated through that reported historic statistics. The results show per capita stock amounts at 160–200 kg/person, current end-of-life rate around 60%. quantification provides measure how cycle changed over time it may evolve future: major hindrances are highlighted perspectives improving practices discussed.