Colin Staub is a reporter at Resource Recycling. He can be contacted at [email protected].
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.
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.
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.
Silver is a key metal for e-scrap recovery firms. | Arkadiusz Komski/Shutterstock
Silver prices increased sharply over the past week, and financial analysts anticipate they will remain elevated in the near future.
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.
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.
In acquiring e-End, Techno Recuse will now have an annual processing capacity of more than 5 million pounds. | photocj/Shutterstock
ITAD firm Techno Rescue this month acquired e-End, a Maryland processor that handles a variety of equipment types.
SERI and RIOS are working to build more online programs for education on EHS management systems. | S_L/Shutterstock
Companies with R2-certified facilities will be able to access discounted RIOS environmental health and safety management resources through a new partnership.
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.
Apple’s battery-throttling controversy has helped fuel right-to-repair conversations.| Attila Fodemesi/Shutterstock
Apple has agreed to settle allegations that the company concealed iPhone battery problems rather than informing customers or replacing the batteries.