On the basis of the two up-to-date examples shredder residues and aluminium dross residues overall concepts are shown to treat hazardous nonferrous metals containing materials by the use of conventional processes. Driving force is not only the ecological aspect but also legislation and sociopolitical conditions. A treatment within a material recycling is aspired, but the economics of the processes is only secondary. The strategic plan for shredder residues is the recycling in the copper secondary metallurgy. To prepare the material for an input in this industry, an enrichment of worth elements or, at least, a removal of problematic substances has to be achieved. Two processes were investigated in this connection: A thermal refining as well as a high temperature reduction by carbon. Due to the limited capacity of copper smelters for low quality secondary raw materials, the aggregate has to be unburdened by using adequate methods. The decrease of internal circulations by a separated reduction of converter slags is a promising approach to achieve this aim. Residues of the aluminium metallurgy are a major challenge because of the permanent discharge of problematic substances from insufficient sealed landfills. Therefore, solutions for a possible treatment under ecological aspects have to be found, not only for incoming material but also for existing landfills. The most important aspect of the developed strategy is a thermal or hydrometallurgical refining to reduce harmful substances. Suitably pre-treated, the material can be used as an alternative raw material in the cement industry or, at least, landfilled without any difficulty. Besides of this, the treatment of salt slags offers the possibility to process highly contaminated fractions.