Solder Waste Recycling

Solder waste recycling is the responsible recovery and treatment of solder, lead dross, and tin residues. At DKL Metals, we specialise in solder waste recycling and dross collection, including silver containing dross, delivering efficient, compliant, and environmentally responsible metal recovery services across the UK. We safely reclaim valuable metals such as lead and tin, reducing environmental impact and production costs.

We provide customers with free dross tins and waste collection containers, along with full guidance on handling and disposal. Licensed carriers collect all solder waste and lead dross, which we process on-site at our facilities. With decades of experience, we ensure that all work complies with environmental regulations and the highest recycling standards.

Lead Dross and Recovery of Lead

Lead dross forms on the surface of molten metal during soldering or refining. This by-product contains recoverable metal, including lead and lead oxide. DKL Metals expertly recovers lead, ensuring efficient reuse of resources.

Our lead recovery process includes analysis and refining to extract usable lead metal and lead oxide. We recycle recovered materials back into production, lowering waste and reducing the need for virgin raw materials. By refining lead dross in controlled conditions, we maintain purity while reducing the environmental footprint of lead-based manufacturing.

Tin Dross and Tin Recycling

Tin dross, like lead dross, forms during the melting and soldering process. It is a valuable source of reclaimable metal that should never go to waste. DKL Metals works closely with our parent company, Fenix Metals – Europe’s largest tin recycler – to process tin dross and recover high-purity metallic tin.

Through advanced refining methods, we recover tin from waste solder, dross, and scrap materials. The recovered tin can then be reused in solder production, tin alloys, and other industrial applications. This process supports a circular economy where nothing is wasted, and valuable metals are continually recycled.

Molten Metal Recovery and Analysis

When working with molten metal, impurities such as oxides and dross can build up on the surface. Our in-house facilities are equipped to analyse and recover both lead and tin from these materials. Careful recovery of lead and tin ensures that solder quality remains consistent while minimising metal losses.

Our laboratory offers full solder bath analysis, a service that is particularly valuable for lead-free alloys where both copper and tin concentrations need to be monitored. This helps customers maintain stable soldering processes and minimise waste production.

Fenix Group: Europe’s Largest Tin Recycler

DKL Metals is proud to be part of the Fenix Group, Europe’s leading tin and solder recycler. Fenix Metals operates large-scale recycling facilities across the continent, processing thousands of tonnes of tin-bearing materials every year.  Their philosophy is one of preservation and sustainability.

Through this partnership, we offer UK manufacturers access to world-class recycling capabilities, ensuring complete sustainability from collection to refining. Every batch of tin or lead dross we collect contributes to a fully traceable and environmentally responsible recycling chain.

Why Choose DKL Metals?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is lead dross?
Lead dross is the oxidised metal that forms on molten lead or solder during melting or refining. It contains recoverable lead and lead oxide that can be recycled.

What is tin dross?
Tin dross forms on the surface of molten solder containing tin. It holds valuable tin metal that can be recovered and refined for reuse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can tin dross be recycled?
Yes. We process tin dross to extract pure tin, then reintroduce it into solder manufacturing or alloy production. This process supports environmental sustainability and reduces waste.

What is the difference between slag and dross?
Slag forms during metal smelting and usually contains non-metallic impurities. During melting or soldering, dross forms and contains more recoverable metal, such as tin or lead.

How do you remove dross from molten metal?
Operators skim dross from the surface of the molten metal and collect it for recycling. Then, they refine the dross to recover pure metals like lead and tin.

What is lead oxide used for?
Industries use recovered lead oxide to manufacture batteries, ceramics, glass, and specific solder products.

What is recovered tin used for?
We reuse recovered tin in solder manufacturing, tin plating, and various industrial alloys. It plays a key role in electronics and metal finishing.

Does DKL Metals recycle both leaded and lead-free solders?
Yes. We recycle both leaded and lead-free solders, using analytical processes to correctly treat each alloy and maximise metal recovery.

How is Fenix Metals involved in the recycling process?
Fenix Metals works alongside DKL Metals to refine and recover tin and lead on an industrial scale. As part of the Fenix Group, we guarantee customers a complete recycling loop from collection to metal recovery.

Contact Us

For more information about lead and tin dross recycling, or any of our solder waste recovery services, contact our team today.

Tel: +44 (0)1506 847710
Email: sales@dklmetals.co.uk
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