Don’t Throw Away Value: Why Worn Tungsten Tools Still Matter

Tungsten carbide tools are essential for precision, durability, and efficiency. But what happens when those tools wear out? Often, old and worn cutters are tossed into the scrap bin, discarded without a second thought.

Yet those used tools contain something more than just hardened metal: they hold hidden value in the form of recyclable tungsten and cobalt. These are critical raw materials, vital to industries ranging from aerospace to defence.

That’s where Konig Green Recycling comes in - a smart, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for reclaiming the value in used cutting tools. Recycling your worn tungsten tools isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for business, too.

Why Recycling Your CNC Tools is Important

Carbide tool recycling isn’t just a green initiative; it’s a competitive advantage. But here’s the challenge: tungsten is a finite resource, with most global reserves concentrated in China. This heavy regional dependence creates exposure to market volatility and geopolitical risk. As a result, recycling tungsten carbide tools has taken on a new level of strategic importance.

Rather than relying solely on mining, manufacturers are increasingly turning to secondary resources, like worn cutting tools, to reclaim tungsten. Recovering this “hidden wealth” helps reduce import reliance and helps maintain a stable supply chain, but also reduces environmental impact by avoiding the need for energy-intensive mining.

Click here to view how the recycling programme works

Why Your Worn Tungsten Tools Still Matter

Tungsten carbide remains valuable even after years and years of heavy use. The tungsten content in worn tools can be reclaimed and reused, thanks to advanced recycling technologies. Plus, recycling tungsten carbide is far more sustainable than mining new ore. 

Modern chemical recovery methods can achieve up to 98% recovery rates while using 30% less energy than traditional production methods.

Here are a few examples of how tungsten carbide is recycled: 

1. Zinc Melting Process (Zinc Recovery)

• Method: Scrap is melted in molten zinc, causing the cobalt binder to alloy with zinc and fracture the carbide structure.
• Result: After zinc removal, the brittle tungsten carbide is ground into reusable powder.
• Strength: Efficient for both hard and soft scrap; preserves carbide integrity.

2. Chemical Methods (Acid Leaching, Hydrometallurgy)

• Process: Scrap is dissolved in acids (e.g., HNO₃, HF) or treated via combined pyro- and hydrometallurgical steps.
• Benefit: Produces high-purity tungsten and cobalt for refined applications.

3. Direct Mechanical Recycling

• Technique: Scrap is crushed, milled, cleaned, and reused directly.
• Advantage: Straightforward, low-energy, and cost-effective.

4. Electrochemical (Electrolytic) Methods

• Approach: Scrap is placed in acid; under low voltage, cobalt dissolves, leaving recoverable tungsten carbide.
• Highlights: Low energy use, high purity—effective for high-cobalt scrap.

5. Thermal Oxidation & Carburising (Pyrometallurgy)

• Process: Scrap is oxidised, ground, and then carburised to restore tungsten carbide powder.
• Use Case: Combines thermal and chemical recovery—ideal when other methods aren’t suitable.

Konig Green Recycling

Recycling isn’t just for cans, glass and cardboard anymore, it’s a strategic move for smart manufacturers. With Konig Green Recycling, your scrap tungsten carbide becomes an asset instead of a liability. 

Here's how it works:

• Add a recycling bin to your order (FREE)
• Fill it with old and worn tungsten carbide cutters
• Once it's full, book a pick up online or call us on 0800 488 647 and we'll organise a freight-free pick up
• Once processed, you’ll receive store credit* based on the reclaimed material

Stop throwing money into the bin. Start with KONIG Green Recycling and get rewarded it it! Heaps of companies all over NZ are using this service and reaping the benefits of ‘cash for scrap’. It's a simple, online and hassle-free service at no cost to you, wherever you are based in New Zealand. For expert advice on recycling, call 0800 488 647 or sales@tungstenandtool.co.nz.

*Eligibility determined by Tungsten & Tool terms & conditions.