Matsushita Electric Industrial Co said Tuesday it has developed a recycling technology to recover metals from plastic-coated wires and plastics used in electric and electronic equipment without causing hazardous side effects. Developed in cooperation with Kusatsu Electric Co, the new technology uses the catalytic properties of titanium oxide to facilitate the recovery of inorganic substances such as metals by transforming plastics and other organic substances into harmless gases, Matsushita said. With the technology, mixed plastic waste, which is regarded as non-recyclable and destined for incineration or landfill, is treated and changed into nontoxic gases, said the company, known for its Panasonic brand.