Evaluating the potential of Estonia as European REE recycling capital via an environmental social governance risks assessment model✰

•The environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks evaluation model is also suitable for assessing the country`s performance.•The ESG risks evaluation model demonstrates that republic of Estonia is a suitable country for establishing a potential rare earth elements recycling industry in Europe.•The highest rare earth elements recycling potential observed is from permanent NdFeB magnets, NiMH batteries, and fluorescent lamps.