7. Recycling

Over 60% of the metal used in electronics and optics comes from scraps. On the other hand, there is virtually no old scrap in these sectors (2 tonnes recycled from old scrap in 2004).

• On average, 25-35% of the world's germanium consumption would come from recycling. However, in 2004, recycled germanium accounted for just 10% of demand. In the United States, in 2000, 9.2 tons of recyclable germanium were recovered:

  • 50% to supply the internal market ;

  • 25% for export.

  While 25% had been lost .