Europe is not facing a shortage of essential metals, but rather a challenge in recovering and reusing them effectively. A recent study reveals that a significant amount of metals from discarded electronic devices—such as phones, screens, and washing machines—are not being recycled. These include valuable metals like gold and silver, as well as commonly used ones like aluminum and copper. Much of the metal content in these devices is effectively lost due to improper disposal or incineration, which prevents its recovery. Extracting metals from raw ore is a complex, resource-intensive process involving large amounts of energy and chemicals. This includes the diesel used for mining trucks, the chemicals required to extract metals from ores, and the pollution generated by industrial furnaces. By discarding metal-rich electronics without recovering these materials, the energy and resources used in mining are effectively wasted. These metals are crucial for both green technologies, like wind turbines and heat pumps, and traditional industries such as car manufacturing and aerospace. However, most of these metals are not easily accessible through mining within Europe. Research has identified that a large portion of electronic waste (56%) in the EU between 2006 and 2021 was not collected. For metals to be recovered, they need to reach the correct treatment facilities. When old devices are thrown into household waste bins, they become mixed with other trash, making it impossible to separate and recover the metals. While some EU countries have made progress in collecting e-waste, many still lag behind, making proper collection a top priority across the continent. A significant amount of metals is also lost during the sorting and recycling stages, often due to inefficient processes or a lack of available recycling technologies. While precious metals like gold and silver are typically recovered, other critical metals such as cobalt, gallium, tantalum, and tungsten are often lost during incineration. For example, hard disk drives contain neodymium, a valuable metal that is rarely recovered. Research has identified the products richest in each metal, helping recycling sectors prioritize the most valuable items. An online dashboard provides detailed information about the metal content of 54 device categories, supporting efforts to improve recycling efficiency. By recovering metals from old electronics, batteries, and other sources, the EU can build a secure, self-sufficient supply chain. This would reduce reliance on imports and lessen the environmental impact of traditional mining. It also supports the development of a circular economy, where waste is transformed into valuable resources, generating jobs and encouraging innovation in recycling technologies. Achieving this requires focusing on where e-waste is currently lost, such as in incorrect waste bins or through illegal exports. Consumers can help by properly disposing of e-waste at designated collection points, while regulatory bodies must continue to support the development of more efficient recycling technologies.