Directive 2002/96/EC lead to make the WEEE valorization imperative. It initiates the principle of producer responsibility. It defines WEEE as “equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields, as well as equipment for production, transfer and measurement of such currents and fields, designed for use with a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts AC and 1500 volts DC " in categories specified by decree.

The European RoHS directive (2002/95/EC) aims to limit the use of six hazardous substances. Is from 1 July 2006 that any new product on the market in the European Union, whether imported or manufactured in the EU must comply with the directive.

RoHS means Restriction of The Use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

• Flotation

Hydraulic separation is based on differences in particle motion in a liquid according to the simultaneous action of gravity and one or more other forces such as resistance to penetration of particles in the liquid. This separation technique uses liquid density, viscosity and the ability of the body to float or sink in this fluid. In the case of flotation, the liquid is stationary: the separation "float / cast" is made according to the principle of buoyancy. The solids are immersed in a liquid having a intermediate density between those of solids to be separated. The heavy particles will sink while the lighter will float.