Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for disintegrating a recyclable item in a material-selective manner and using the electrohydraulic effect, an electric discharge being generated, in a container filled with a liquid, using a pulsed current source and within an underwater spark gab between a container base-side electrode and at least one container cover-side electrode that points towards the first electrode, with electric discharge having an average field strength of less than or equal to 5 kV/mm and a pulse or discharge energy of greater than 10 J, and being generated at least substantially in the liquid. In the container, the recyclable item lies partially in the underwater spark gab on the container base-side.