Colin Staub is a reporter at Resource Recycling. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Figures show a modest increase in recovery and a decrease in generation were responsible for the recycling rate increase. | penofoto/Shutterstock
After declining for multiple years and then remaining flat, the U.S. electronics recycling rate inched back up in 2018, according to new figures from the U.S. EPA.
Research into a self-healable, recyclable PCB material was published in Science Advances. | totojang1977/Shutterstock
Researchers at the University of Colorado have developed a thin circuit board material, designed for wearable devices, that’s easy to recycle at its end of life.
Hyla’s capabilities will reportedly double Assurant’s processing volumes and allow the company to process a wider range of devices. | Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock
Hyla Mobile, a reverse logistics company that refurbishes and resells phones, has been acquired by insurance and extended warranty provider Assurant.
Nokia and Greener Acres Canada are partnering to use over 48,000 tons of e-scrap in manufacturing “smart” utility poles. | vladdon/Shutterstock
A partnership between a wireless network provider and electronics processor will use end-of-life devices to produce new “smart” utility poles.
The e-scrap metals market saw a significant impact from the coronavirus pandemic, which made obtaining supply a challenging task. | Amy_VonDe/Shutterstock
Processors were not alone in feeling supply and demand impacts from COVID-19. Their downstream partners were in a similar boat, as three smelting and refining experts explained during a presentation last week.
Repair stakeholders say that voter approval of the Massachusetts bill is an indication of growing public support for policies protecting independent access to repair resources. | RoClickMag/Shutterstock
A ballot measure guaranteeing independent automotive repair shops access to crucial vehicle data passed by a large margin in Massachusetts this week. Repair advocates hailed the victory as a sign of support for broader repair legislation.
Oceanside Electronics is projecting to handle about 4 million pounds of electronics over the coming year. | vladdon/Shutterstock
A longtime non-ferrous metals processor has shifted gears and opened his own electronics recycling facility on the east coast of Florida.
Closing The Loop’s project accumulated about 11,000 pounds of batteries, primarily from mobile phones. | Orapruek/Shutterstock
Leaders of an effort to recycle mobile phone batteries collected from West Africa recently outlined challenges and successes during their 18-month pilot project.
Businesses of all sizes have put increased focus on workforce diversity during the past year. | Zivica Kerkez/Shutterstock
Electronics recycling leaders say a focus on representation as well as changes in corporate hiring and promotion practices can lead to a more diverse industry, in terms of both gender and race.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2021 smartphones, TVs, laptops and some appliances sold in France will receive a repairability score in the form of a sticker on the product’s packaging. | Preechar Bowonkitwanchai/Shutterstock
Looking to extend the lifetime of electronics, French officials plan to introduce a rating system that communicates repairability and durability to consumers.