The invention relates to processes for recycling waste materials containing valuable metals in a fluidized-bed furnace (100), comprising the phases I, start-up of the fluidized-bed furnace; and II, continuous reprocessing of the waste materials containing valuable metals, characterized in that the fluidized-bed furnace (100) is operated autothermally during the phase II of continuous reprocessing of the waste materials containing valuable metals, with the process temperature being regulated via the fill level of the fluidized-bed furnace (100) and the flow rate of material through the furnace. The invention further provides an apparatus comprising a fluidized-bed furnace (100) for recycling waste materials containing valuable metals in a continuous autothermal process.