What is a key output of the e-waste factory used to increase value?

• A. Recovered plastics
• B. Ethanol
• C. Recovered wood chips
• D. Recovered gold and other metals

Answer: (D)

In e-waste processing, the big value comes from extracting and selling metals. Electronics contain small quantities of precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium, plus other recoverable metals such as copper. When a factory processes e-waste, the metal recovery stream can be refined into high-purity metals that have strong market demand and a clear revenue stream, making it a key value-adding output.

Recovered plastics or wood chips can be produced, but their value is typically lower and more dependent on market conditions and contamination levels. Ethanol isn’t produced in this context, so it wouldn’t be a primary value driver. Therefore, recovering gold and other metals best maximizes value from e-waste.