Marissa Heffernan started working for Resource Recycling in January 2022 after spending several years as a reporter at a daily newspaper in Southwest Washington. She can be contacted at [email protected].
A study from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) found that e-scrap generated annually in Europe increased by 2.1 million metric tons between 2010 and 2021. | ThamKC/Shutterstock
A report from the United Nations on the European Union found that very few member countries are achieving their e-scrap recycling targets.
Redwood Materials will break ground in the first quarter of 2023. | Courtesy of Redwood Materials
Battery recycler Redwood Materials will build its next facility on 600 acres outside of Charleston, S.C.
TJX owns approximately 340 T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods stores in California. | Idealphotographer/Shutterstock
The Massachusetts-based parent company of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods was ordered by a judge to pay $2.05 million for unlawful disposal of e-scrap, batteries and other hazardous waste in California.
Devices covered by the recently released interpretation include smart TVs, smart watches, fitness trackers and IP-connected home security devices. | Maridav/Shutterstock
A formal interpretation of the R2v3 standard aims to help certified facilities deal with smart devices that pose unique data sanitization challenges.
iDiskk principals Yue Zou and Lei Zhang agreed to pay a fine after the company improperly disposed of lithium-ion batteries from electronics. | XH2/Shutterstock
Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries led to a $25,000 fine for a California recycling company after the batteries sparked several garbage truck fires.
The Canadian company will receive up to $13.5 million in state support through Empire State Development’s Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program, as long as it meets its job creation commitments. | Courtesy of Li-Cycle
Battery recycler Li-Cycle has secured $13.5 million in state tax credits for its Rochester, N.Y. black mass processing facility, currently under construction.
SERI is working to clarify its R2v3 standard on how to handle data on different kinds of smart devices. | Anastasia Desiana/Shutterstock
This story has been corrected.
It has long been acknowledged in the reuse world that some smart items, such as fitness trackers, are difficult to properly wipe personal data from. One organization is now taking steps to address the problem.
In 2021, Intel maintained a rate of 5% total material to landfill and put circular strategies in place for 65% of its manufacturing scrap. | jejim/Shutterstock
Intel is trying several angles in pursuit of its goal to send zero waste to landfill, including redesign of circuit boards for easier recycling and educating consumers on how to recycle via a video game.
Microsoft is also working to expand its authorized repair network by early 2023, for customers who do not want to attempt repairs themselves. | Chie Inoue/Shutterstock
A recent teardown analysis by iFixit found that Microsoft made progress on its repairability improvement promises with the Surface Pro 9.
The polishing system can save consumers money and resources by reducing the need to replace the screen or upgrade the device and can also help boost resale value, contributing to the circular economy. | Courtesy of Red Wolf Technology
A polishing system that removes the majority of nicks and scratches from Apple Watches can now support all models.