The challenges for a sustainable materials management in the context of the ongoing EU Circular Economy Initiative are analyzed from a metals recycling perspective. Looking at recycling drivers shows that legal frame conditions play a key role to close the loop for precious and special metals in consumer products. Electronic waste is focused on, because of the special challenges in its efficient and environmentally sound recovery. To incentivize high-quality treatment and effective material recovery under level playing field conditions, a mandatory certification scheme for recyclers of electronic waste would be crucial.