Colin Staub is a reporter at Resource Recycling. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Proposed national legislation follows a flurry of state right-to-repair bills that were introduced this year. | EQRoy / Shutterstock
A federal lawmaker has introduced legislation requiring electronics manufacturers to provide resources facilitating independent device repair. Repair advocates say it’s the first such bill to hit the national stage.
A White House report emphasizes the importance of recycling in supplying the country with rare earth elements. | kazu326 / Shutterstock
The federal government should encourage design for recyclability in consumer electronics and support technologies that recover rare earth magnets from hard drives, according to a report from the Biden administration.
The New York Senate approved right-to-repair legislation on the same day the state’s legislative session concluded. | Harold Stiver / Shutterstock
The New York State Senate this month voted in favor of legislation providing public access to electronic device repair tools and resources. A tight legislative timeline meant it didn’t advance further, but repair advocates called it a milestone achievement.
The World Health Organization’s report noted more than 1,000 harmful substances can be released during informal processing of e-scrap. | Chaikom / Shutterstock
The World Health Organization recently examined the health risks associated with informal e-scrap processing, particularly the dangers for children and expecting mothers. The report calls for “binding action” by e-scrap exporters and other stakeholders to ensure proper management.
From January through March of this year, U.S. companies exported 120 million pounds of mixed plastics. | Rich Lonardo / Shutterstock
U.S. shipments of mixed plastic, a category that includes plastics recovered from electronic devices, jumped in the first quarter. Nearly two-thirds of the plastic went to Canada.
Backers of a global e-scrap recycling standard effort say it can help ensure high-quality end-of-life treatment processes. | science photo / Shutterstock
The International Electrotechnical Commission in recent months launched a process to create a worldwide e-scrap management standard.
The Biden-Harris EPA budget proposal allocates $10 million for a pilot grant program to advance innovation in the recycling industry. | DanielJohn / Shutterstock
The Biden-Harris administration requested $11.2 billion for the U.S. EPA for 2022, and the agency proposes to slightly increase funding to the EPA’s Waste Minimization and Recycling Program.
ISRI’s adopted position comes as environmental justice is a growing topic of discussion within the recycling sector. | By VILevi / Shutterstock
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries recently affirmed its support for the “broad objectives” of the environmental justice movement, including equitable treatment for all people, positive contribution to surrounding communities, and more.
Back Market works with 1,500 sellers on its used device marketplace platform. | OtmarW / Shutterstock
Back Market this week announced an investment round delivering the company $335 million, the latest large dollar figure raised by the refurbished electronics business.
The 20,000 square-foot Bay Area facility is optimized for Apto’s product flow. | Courtesy of Apto Solutions.
Nationwide processor Apto Solutions has replaced its California site with a new plant in the region, a move the company says will boost efficiency and provide a central location within Silicon Valley.