The invention relates to a process for recycling electronic identification means comprised in a male or a female component of an animal identification tag, said male component comprising a fastening pin having a head portion, said female component comprising a receptacle having an opening intended to receive in a snap locking arrangement the head of said fastening pin and to retain said head within said receptacle, said process comprising the following steps :- separating said electronic identification means from said male or female component and- recovering at least said electronic identification means.