The MetRecycle project aimed to develop a novel REE recycling process using functionalized magnetic nanoparticles to recover REEs from outdated waste electrical and electronic products (WEE), specifically permanent NdFeB and SmCo magnets as well as NiMH batteries. The project focused on the recovery of heavy REEs (HREEs), which are more difficult to recycle than light REEs (LREEs) due to their lower abundance and more complex chemical properties.

The MetRecycle project has contributed to the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation partnership on the recycling of raw materials. The project’s novel REE recycling process has the potential to reduce the EU’s reliance on imported REEs and improve the sustainability of the European economy.