<p>The production of galvanized steel scrap has been increasing in recent years, becoming an environmental problem during the recycling of galvanized steel in an electric arc furnace due to its high concentration of zinc. Zinc is collected in baghouses, constituting a fine, pulverulent and hazardous residue known as electric arc furnace dust (EAFD). This work presents an innovative way to reduce the generation of EAFD during the recycling process, owing to the use of galvanized steel scrap as an anode in a galvanic cell. The cell is composed of two half-cells with a ferric sulfate solution as a catholyte and a potassium sulfate solution as an anolyte. A galvanized steel sheet is used as an anode, and a graphite plate is used as a cathode. Both half-cells are separated by a proton exchange membrane. The ferric sulfate solution is regenerated by a bio-oxidation reactor, allowing a closed-flow circuit of catholyte to be used in continuous recirculation. This is a new way to obtain electric energy from galvanized steel scrap and by-products, such as iron and metallic zinc, from the anolyte without catholyte consumption. This study shows promising results by obtaining energy from the electrochemical treatment of the galvanizing layer, generating 300 kWh per ton of steel scrap with a thickness of only 15 microns of galvanized layer. After this treatment, the scrap can be recycled to obtain steel, avoiding the generation of hazardous waste.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>