Department of Environmental Economics, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
Abstract
This study evaluates the economic feasibility of recycling critical and hazardous heavy metals from two major waste streams in Iran—spent batteries containing lead and cadmium, and electronic waste rich in copper and gold. Using an integrated analytical framework that combines Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) modeling, it assesses recycling as a strategic pathway toward sustainable development under conditions of environmental stress, limited resources, and economic sanctions. The analysis draws on data from 2015 to 2025, including international metal prices, national waste generation, and energy and water costs, alongside technical process estimates. Results demonstrate strong economic potential for both recycling pathways: one metric ton of spent lead-acid batteries generates a net economic benefit of $350–$450, largely due to lead recovery and reduced environmental damage, while one ton of mixed electronic waste (PCBs) yields over $2,500, driven by the recovery of copper and gold. Energy savings contribute an additional 15–25% to total benefits, even with low domestic energy prices. Sensitivity analysis identifies international metal price fluctuations and collection efficiency as key determinants of profitability. Overall, the study concludes that heavy metal recycling is not only environmentally essential but also economically viable for Iran, offering a means to enhance resource efficiency, reduce pollution, and foster circular economy development. To realize this potential, policy actions are needed to formalize informal recycling sectors, adjust energy pricing mechanisms, and introduce targeted incentives that attract investment. These measures could enable Iran to transform its waste management system into a resilient, value-generating circular economy model aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Ebadi, P. & Zahmir, M. (2026). An economic valuation of Iran’s heavy metal recycling from E-waste and spent batteries: Integrating cost-benefit and life-cycle perspectives. Journal of Heavy Metal Research, 1(1), 28–40. https://doi.org/10.22034/jhmr.2025.554313.1002
MLA
Ebadi, P., & Zahmir, M. "An economic valuation of Iran’s heavy metal recycling from E-waste and spent batteries: Integrating cost-benefit and life-cycle perspectives", Journal of Heavy Metal Research, 1, 1, 2026, 28–40. doi: 10.22034/jhmr.2025.554313.1002
HARVARD
Ebadi, P., & Zahmir, M. (2026). 'An economic valuation of Iran’s heavy metal recycling from E-waste and spent batteries: Integrating cost-benefit and life-cycle perspectives', Journal of Heavy Metal Research, 1(1), pp. 28–40. doi: 10.22034/jhmr.2025.554313.1002
CHICAGO
Ebadi, P. & Zahmir, M., "An economic valuation of Iran’s heavy metal recycling from E-waste and spent batteries: Integrating cost-benefit and life-cycle perspectives." Journal of Heavy Metal Research, 1 1 (2026): 28–40, doi: 10.22034/jhmr.2025.554313.1002
VANCOUVER
Ebadi P., Zahmir M. An economic valuation of Iran’s heavy metal recycling from E-waste and spent batteries: Integrating cost-benefit and life-cycle perspectives. Journal of Heavy Metal Research. 2026;1(1):28–40. doi: 10.22034/jhmr.2025.554313.1002
