Colin Staub is a reporter at Resource Recycling. He can be contacted at [email protected].
In e-scrap processing facilities, the report recommends specific staff training to identify and properly handle batteries, and more. | TnkImages / Shutterstock
After charting a global increase in e-scrap facility fires caused by damaged batteries, experts published a handful of key recommendations for preventing thermal events.
Urban E Recycling broke the $1 million revenue mark in its fifth year, and in 2020 it achieved $3.1 million in revenue. | Courtesy of Urban E Recycling
Urban E Recycling opened a new site earlier this year, the latest development for a e-scrap processor that has found a niche by focusing on smaller clients and providing free collection of material.
Washington e-scrap collectors handled nearly 15.2 million pounds of covered devices in 2020. | Alexander Lutaskiy / Shutterstock
Washington state processors handled far more flat-panel displays than CRT devices in 2020, continuing a trend that began the year before, according to the state’s annual report.
Closed Loop Partners invested in nationwide electronics recycling company ERI. | Candyclub / Shutterstock
ERI this week received private equity funding from investment firm Closed Loop Partners. ERI’s chairman says the capital will help the processor deploy advanced processing equipment at its facilities.
Microsoft declined to comment on the shareholder resolution, but a company spokesperson pointed to Microsoft’s Devices Sustainability Report for the 2020 fiscal year.| Eric Glenn / Shutterstock
An advocacy group filed a shareholder resolution requesting that Microsoft study the impacts of making repair resources readily available to the public. The company hasn’t commented, but it referenced its existing efforts in the field of repair.
Researchers pointed to targeted subsidies and higher penalties for fraud as things that could potentially solve the problem of dishonest recycling. | Gwoeii / Shutterstock
Cost is the main factor contributing to fraudulent recycling activities, researchers recently reported. They say improving the financial equation for e-scrap processors and raising the penalties for bad actors could reduce negative practices.
The proposed bill covers TVs, computers, laptops, printers and a handful of additional devices. | Ronald Rampsch / Shutterstock
Legislation introduced in the Bay State establishes extended producer responsibility for end-of-life consumer electronics. In prior years, similar proposals have failed to move forward.
The executive action comes during a time of ramped-up activity in the right-to-repair realm. | Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
The White House is encouraging federal regulators to protect independent repair of consumer electronics, agricultural equipment and more, according to an executive order issued Friday.
Cumulatively, Samsung has collected 10 billion pounds of e-scrap since 2009, according to a recent company report. | OleksSH / Shutterstock
A major OEM increased the weight of e-scrap it collected in 2020, according to its latest sustainability report.
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.