The convergence of hydrometallurgical waste management and the principles of the circular economy holds immense potential for addressing the challenges posed by metal-enriched waste. By turning waste into valuable resources through efficient metal extraction, this approach not only aligns with sustainable development goals but also contributes to the conservation of resources, reduction of waste, and the promotion of economic and environmental well-being. This article deals with the further possibilities of processing metal-bearing wastes in the form of steel drifts via hydrometallurgy. The main part of this research focuses on the development of suitable technology for the leaching of steel flakes to obtain selected non-ferrous metals, mainly zinc and lead, for economic and environmental reasons. Laboratory experiments are carried out to verify a suitable leaching agent in the form of high-temperature acid leaching, neutralizing leaching, and magnetic separation verified in lead seals. From the results of the experiments, a suitable technology for processing steel fumes is proposed.