Iron Content by E-Waste Feedstock Category
Iron content percentages for five e-waste feedstock categories — from large appliances like dishwashers and fans (55% iron) to heating equipment (35–45%) — used for yield planning in e-waste recycling operations focused on ferrous metal recovery.
| Feedstock | Category | Iron % |
|---|---|---|
| Dish Washing Machines, Electric Fans | Large and Small EEE | 55% |
| Equipment for turning, milling, sanding, grinding, sawing, etc. | Electrical and Electronic Tools | 55% |
| Freezers, Microwaves, Air Conditioners | Large and Small EEE | 45-55% |
| Sewing Machines, Tools for Welding | Electrical and Electronic Tools | 40-50% |
| Heating, Cooking, Electric Radiators | Large and Small EEE | 35-45% |
Beyond definitions
Planning to start a E-waste business?
Get the full business understanding — capex, regulations, machinery, vendor questions, and risk checks before you commit capital.
How to read this table
- Each row is one e-waste feedstock category; columns show the feedstock item, EEE category classification, and iron content percentage range.
- Iron % figures represent the weight fraction of iron and steel in the total e-waste item weight — they are the starting point for calculating expected ferrous output from a known waste intake volume.
- Actual iron recovery will be lower than iron content — typically 80–90% of theoretical iron content is recovered through mechanical separation, depending on shredder efficiency and magnetic separator performance.
About this table
Iron and steel are the highest-volume metal fraction in most e-waste streams. Understanding the iron content by e-waste feedstock category allows a mechanical recycling operator to select the highest-iron streams for a ferrous-metal-focused operation, and to predict ferrous output volumes from a given waste intake mix. This table covers five categories with their iron content ranges.
Dishwashers and electric fans (Large and Small EEE category) contain approximately 55% iron by weight — among the highest of any e-waste category. The steel frames, motor casings, and structural components of these appliances are predominantly ferrous. Electrical and electronic tools (power drills, saws, grinders) also carry approximately 55% iron — the motor housings, gearboxes, and structural casings are mostly steel. Large and small EEE appliances — freezers, microwaves, and air conditioners — fall in the 45–55% iron range depending on the specific appliance. Freezers and washing machines have large sheet steel cabinets that contribute heavily to the iron fraction; air conditioners have less steel but significant copper and aluminium in the coil components that dilute the iron percentage. Sewing machines and tools for welding run 40–50% iron. Heating, cooking, and electric radiator appliances have 35–45% iron — their lower iron content reflects a higher proportion of heating elements (often nichrome wire), glass, and ceramics that reduce the ferrous metal fraction relative to structural steel.
Key insights
- Dishwashers, electric fans, and electrical power tools have the highest iron content at approximately 55% — a recycler targeting ferrous metal maximisation should prioritise these streams.
- Air conditioners have diluted iron content (within the 45–55% appliance range) because their copper and aluminium coil components add non-ferrous mass — they are high-value for non-ferrous recovery but not optimal for pure iron maximisation.
- Heating and cooking appliances at 35–45% iron have lower ferrous density — heating elements, glass components, and ceramics reduce the iron fraction and require more feedstock per tonne of iron output.
- Iron content percentages are theoretical composition figures — actual iron recovered per tonne of feedstock depends on shredder efficiency and magnetic separator performance, typically recovering 80–90% of the theoretical iron fraction.
Methodology & sources
Iron content percentages are based on published e-waste composition data for the respective EEE categories as referenced in course materials. Actual composition varies by manufacturer, model year, and regional market. Country-specific e-waste composition data for India should be verified against CPCB e-waste characterisation studies where available.
Related data tables
Aluminium Content by E-Waste Feedstock
Aluminium content percentages for five e-waste feedstock types — medical and lab equipment (15–30%), gas analysers (15–20%), fluorescent lamp luminaires, laptops, and welding tools (all 10–15%) — for yield planning in aluminium-focused e-waste operations.
Copper Content by E-Waste Feedstock
Copper content percentages for five e-waste feedstock types — from electrical kettles (42%) and thermostats (27%) at the high end to BTS/UPS/telecom equipment, air conditioners, and electric fans (all 5–10%) — for yield planning in copper-focused e-waste operations.
Gold Content by E-Waste Feedstock
Gold content by weight for five e-waste feedstock types — from medical analysers (4.76%, the highest) to personal computers and laptops (0.0004%) — used for precious metal yield planning in e-waste recycling.
Mechanical Recycling — Ferrous Metals Output
Two ferrous metal output streams from e-waste mechanical recycling — iron alloys and steel (85–95% of the ferrous mix, sold to foundries and metal traders) and nickel-based alloys (5–15%, sold to nickel alloy manufacturers) — with typical output size and buyers.