Abstract: The process for recovering metals of the 1.sup.st, 2.sup.nd, 4.sup.th, 5.sup.th, 6.sup.th, 7.sup.th and 8.sup.th sub-group of the periodic law from solutions of their salts, particularly from solutions containing hydrochloric acid contemplates as the first process step a neutralization (1) for precipitating the metals from their acid metal salt solutions in the form of hydroxides or carbonates. The precipitate is pressed (4), and via conduits (9, 10) finally divided metal of the metal having been present as a salt as well as a carbon source originating of waste materials, particularly in form of ground heat setting synthetic plastics materials such as phenolic resins, amine formaldehyde resins, epoxide resins, polyesters, and also CaCO.sub.3 is added. All components of this mixture must be used in a fine-grained state and preferably with a maximum particle size of 0.5 mm.