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Author Archives: Colin Staub

About Colin Staub

Colin-StaubColin Staub is a reporter at Resource Recycling. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Consumers holding onto mobile phones longer

Published: February 18, 2021
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Cell phones stacked on a table.

In the annual review of company data Hyla noted that trade-in activity was slower for the full year, but that it picked up significantly in the fourth quarter. | Sonyerry/Shutterstock

Mobile device trade-ins are older than they used to be, according to recent figures from device trade-in firm Hyla Mobile. Devices are also largely retaining their value.

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Basel proposals could upend export landscape

Published: February 11, 2021
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Cargo containers at port in Turkey.

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is an international treaty governing how waste is moved around the world. | phil berry/Shutterstock

The Basel Convention has published multiple proposals that would restrict U.S. exports of scrap electronics. The changes will be considered at a meeting this summer.

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Experts talk impact of material exports to Africa

Published: February 11, 2021
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Map with a pin in Ghana.

Researchers delved into the question of exactly what is actually happening on the ground with electronics shipments to Africa. | Wead/Shutterstock

During a recent panel discussion, an e-scrap researcher and a journalist described the consequences of exporting electronics to developing nations. They also discussed how much of that material is reusable and how much is truly waste.

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Details on a Canadian e-plastics operation

Published: February 4, 2021
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Inside the BoMet facility.

BoMET is one of a number of North American companies that saw that opportunity and are investing to expand their e-plastics processing capacity. | Courtesy of BoMET Polymer Solutions

BoMET Polymer Solutions is actively sourcing e-plastics from electronics recycling firms for the company’s Ontario processing facility, where it produces pellets and regrind for sale to manufacturers.

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E-scrap companies see ‘large swings’ in trucking market

Published: January 28, 2021
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Many hauling trucks parked in a lot.

With fewer available drivers comes less available trucking supply, leading to higher prices and potential disruptions in trucking availability for those in the recycling industry. | Vitpho/Shutterstock

A driver shortage that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to create challenges for moving used electronics and other recovered materials this year, analysts say.

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ITAD service provider buys collection software company

Published: January 28, 2021
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Signing business documents.

In announcing the acquisition, Total Technology said the acquired software algorithm opens opportunities to connect OEMs with the end-of-life recycling process. | Minerva Studio/Shutterstock

Electronics processor Total Technology recently purchased a software company that provides information on e-scrap collection sites. The data is incorporated into apps for device manufacturers to share recycling information with consumers.

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Basel plastic rules cause immediate e-plastics strife

Published: January 14, 2021
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Cargo ship with terminal in background.

Scrap plastic traders are facing challenges from increased freight rates and cancellations of bookings by shipping lines as Basel regulations are implemented. | Mariusz Bugno/Shutterstock

Recent changes to global regulations on scrap plastic shipments have shaken up the export market for plastics recovered from electronics.

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