Abstract: A method of recovering valuable metals from a waste including: heating the waste at a temperature and for a period of time such that a glass fiber does not melt but degrades to the extent that it becomes pulverizable, wherein conditions of the temperature and period of time are selected from a group consisting of a range of more than or equal to 750° C. and less than 800° C. for 30-40 minutes, a range of more than or equal to 800° C. and less than 900° C. for 10-40 minutes, a range of more than or equal to 900° C. and less than 950° C. for 10-30 minutes, a range of more than or equal to 950° C. and less than 1000° C. for 10-20 minutes, and a range of 1000° C. for about 10 minutes; removing the degraded glass fiber; and recovering valuable metals contained in the waste.

Abstract: A method which allows recovery of valuable metals in simple steps from printed wiring board or the like is provided. The waste is an integrated industrial waste containing a glass fiber, an epoxy resin and valuable metals such as copper, iron, gold and aluminum. The method comprises heating the industrial waste to a temperature at which the glass fiber does not melt but degrades, followed by removing the degraded glass fiber.