The German Aerospace Center (Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) has taken another step towards climate neutrality. In 2024 alone, 124 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions were prevented through the recycling of electronic and electrical devices. Thanks to optimised processes in DLR's equipment management, a greater number of devices were collected and pre-sorted across all 30 sites. A specialised service provider ensured the transport and careful separation of recyclable materials – such as rare earth elements – as far as possible. As these recovered materials are used in the manufacture new, high-quality products, DLR is making a substantial contribution to the circular economy.
Recycling at DLR
A positive trend in the recovery of valuable materials, especially composites and plastics.
DLR regularly and thoroughly evaluates aspects of its recycling processes, and data analyses from 2022 to 2024 show steady progress. In this context, 2024 marks a key milestone: in addition to a significant increase in the recovery of precious metals – particularly gold, silver and palladium – DLR expanded its material analysis to include new categories such as composites, plastics and their fractions. This opens up new possibilities for using previously untapped resources. The environmental benefits of these measures have been confirmed by DLR's recycling provider.
These ongoing advances in recycling demonstrate how technological progress and sustainability can go hand in hand. The recycling of electrical and electronic equipment is a prime example of DLR's move towards a more resource-efficient future, a path it will continue to pursue.
Innovation and responsibility
In the first quarter of 2025, significant volumes of used equipment were sent for recycling at DLR's three largest sites: 2504 kilograms in Braunschweig, 4443 kilograms in Cologne-Porz and 7789 kilograms in Oberpfaffenhofen. These figures demonstrate DLR's ongoing commitment to innovation, data transparency and environmental responsibility.
Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals
In its 2030 Agenda, the United Nations identified 17 key areas of action and associated goals – the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – aimed at promoting sustainability. Through its contribution to strengthening the circular economy, DLR actively supports several of these goals: SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Alignment with Goal 17 is brought to life through a strong collaboration between a public research institution and a specialist company in the environmental sector. For several years, DLR has worked with Electrocycling GmbH – a certified company specialising in the environmentally compatible recycling of electrical and electronic waste.
