Techbuyer, a company specializing in the refurbishment and resale of data center equipment like servers, has become an early adopter of Bioscope Technologies’ innovative bioleaching system designed to recycle electronic waste.

As part of this collaboration, Techbuyer supplies printed circuit boards (PCBs) to Bioscope’s bio-refinery facility in Cambridge, UK, where microbe-based bioleaching techniques are used to extract valuable precious and base metals such as gold, silver, copper, and palladium.

“We were immediately interested when we learned about Bioscope’s use of bioleaching to recover precious metals from e-waste,” said Paul Thorogood, Resource Recovery Manager at Techbuyer. “Being involved from the early stages allows us to witness the progression of this promising technology firsthand.”

Astrid Wynne, Techbuyer’s Head of Sustainability and Public Sector, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Bioscope represents the future of recycling by enhancing material recovery from end-of-life IT assets. Their innovation directly supports the circular economy, aligning perfectly with our sustainability mission.”

Bioscope Technologies, a spin-out from the e-waste company n2s, was founded to bring its bioleaching method to market. The company offers UK businesses a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to exporting used electronics overseas for disposal.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Techbuyer as one of our first customers,” said Jeff Borrman, CEO of Bioscope Technologies. “We’re encouraged by the yield results we’re seeing, which are helping to maximize the value of recovered materials.”