The recovery of metals from waste is relevant from an economic as well as from an ecological point of view. Residues from waste incineration (particularly incinerator bottom ash, short IBA), mineral residues produced in the iron and steel industry and metal-containing excavation material from old landfills or abandoned industrial sites are a potential source for the recovery of secondary metal resources. The iron content of metallurgical residues is between 14 % and 30 % in basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF slag or LD slag), between 15,2 % and 29 % in electric arc furnace slag (EAF slag) and about 4 % in foundry ladle slag. IBA contains about 8 % to 12 % iron and 2 % to 5 % non-ferrous metals. The metal content in old landfills or abandoned industrial sites depends on the type of waste landfilled respectively the type of stockpile and cannot be defined in general. Especially more valuable metals are often found in finer grain size fractions (depending on the definition < 10 mm or even < 2 mm), which is why the efficient treatment of these fine fractions is essential to tap the full potential of these wastes and increase the yield. Based on a comprehensive literature research and a questionnaire procedure information on the metal potentials and demetallization techniques was collected. Afterwards relevant criteria for the evaluation of treatment plants were identified, enabling a comparison of the described plants in a rating matrix. These criteria focus on the flexibility regarding to different input types and plant configuration, the efficiency of metal separation and the utilization of remaining mineral fractions. The results show a significant lack of knowledge regarding the metal potential of the different mass flows, prohibiting the identification of room for improvement. Especially the improved separation of aggregates in finer fractions should be aspired, leading to a higher output of metals with higher purity.