Hidden Resources in Cameras: What Are Metal Parts? | Release #158

The old cameras we have may seem useless at first glance, but the metal parts inside are valuable resources contributing to the future of renewable energy. Metals like aluminum and copper can be reused as core components in new technologies.

According to the , approximately 2 million tons of copper can be extracted from electronic waste, including PCs, in 2022, with 60% being recycled.

Recycling metal parts from cameras faces many barriers today. Particularly, the recovery of rare metals remains below 1% due to its complexity and processing costs. However, this also indicates a significant potential for technological innovation.

For example, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that the demand for copper for renewable energy will triple by 2030, and strengthening electronic waste recycling is expected to meet this increasing demand.

Some say that government intervention holds the key to solutions.

In Europe, a goal has been set to cover a quarter of the rare metals used by 2030 with recycled materials. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy is hosting a competition offering up to $4 million in prizes for recycling technology innovations. Japan might also follow these examples.

When choosing a camera, it's important to consider not just performance and price, but also how easily the product can be recycled and the manufacturer's environmental responsibility. Moreover, properly recycling unused electronics can effectively reuse these resources and contribute to environmental protection.

Each small metal part inside a camera holds the potential to play an important role in the global environment. Effectively utilizing these resources can be a step towards a sustainable future.