The study is focused on the extraction of valuable metals from automotive shredder residue (ASR) by different leaching solutions. First, ASR samples were roasted at 600 degrees C to simulate a thermal treatment processing. Distilled water, citric and sulphuric acid were preliminarily investigated, thus two further full factorial systems entailing H2SO4-H2O2 and H2SO4-H2O2-Fe3+ were tested. The preliminary experimental results showed that 0.1 mol.L-1 H2SO4 solution extracted 100% of Cu, Fe and Zn, whereas citric acid leached 100% of Zn and Pb, 59% of Fe and 62% of Cu; whereas, H2SO4-H2O2 and H2SO4-H2O2-Fe3+ (Fenton's) leaching media showed that Cu, Fe and Zn can be extracted simultaneously and completely from the ASR ashes before final disposal. (C) 2014 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.