Malaysian authorities order the return of an e-scrap container to the U.S., a testing and refurbishing facility opens in the U.K., and a global ITAD firm helps address the digital divide.
Below is a look at recent industry developments from across the globe.
Australia: The country’s Productivity Commission is gathering public input on a draft right-to-repair report it issued in June. Among those testifying were Kyle Wiens of iFixit and Clare Hobby of TCO Development, which oversees the TCO Certified electronics sustainability standard.
Malaysia: Authorities are ordering the return of a container filled with e-scrap that was illegally imported from the U.S., according to The Star newspaper. The container held damaged electronic screen pads, disassembled circuit boards and fuse boxes.
United Arab Emirates: Government regulations are now requiring electronics retailers to provide free recycling of electronics and batteries in their stores, according to The National.
United Kingdom: Online retailer AO opened a processing facility for used washing machines, refrigerators and TVs. The goal of the “rework” facility is to prepare the units for resale on Ebay.
Various countries: Singapore-headquartered ITAD services provider TES partnered to provide used devices to nonprofit group Close the Gap, which helps bridge the digital divide by supplying refurbished devices. Close the Gap has donated over 1 million computers to people in over 50 countries.
