
UPC Biometallum
Biotechnology for metals recovery from electronic wastes

The aim of Biometallum is to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of a biotechnological process for the valorisation of electronic waste, as a more sustainable and profitable alternative for the recovery of valuable metals. This proposal, based on circular economy and the concept of urban mining, promote local business from a technology that reduce dependence on limiting natural resources and manage a type of waste (electronic) that is increasing at a higher rate in our society, which has an associated negative impact on environment and human health.
Return
- Receiving discarded mobile phones from May 2016.
- Accepts devices from Catalonia at the moment.
- Biometallium does not pay for the shipping.
Recovery
The mobiles are divided into 3 components.
♻️ Metals such as Copper, Lithium, Cobalt and Gold are extracted from the motherboards thanks to a BACTERIA recovery system.
♻️ Screens are stored for the present.
♻️ Plastic casings are stored for the present.
About
- Biometallum belongs tu Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and is in Manresa (Barcelona,Spain)
- Open to connect with phone brands and manufacturers.
Send your old mobile phone to us!
So many experiences stored in a drawer are not much useful. But the materials are. We are just developing a very sustainable way to recover it WITH BACTERIA!
Help us keep on with our research and participate in our draw??

Take back your old item for recovery and join our Circular Economy System in 4 steps.
Rescue
Choose the item you want to save and learn more about it. Are you sure you cannot repair it?
Return
Select the shipping method, check which is your nearest pick-up center, and print the label here.
Win
Connect with the brand, get advantages and feel good for getting things right.
Recover
Select the shipping method, check which is your nearest pick-up center, and print the label here.
About the Recovery Center Biometallum
Take back your old item for recovery and join our Circular Economy System in 4 steps.