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Author Archives: Marissa Heffernan

About Marissa Heffernan

Marissa HeffernanMarissa Heffernan worked at Resource Recycling from January 2022 through June 2025, first as staff reporter and then as associate editor. Marissa Heffernan started working for Resource Recycling in January 2022 after spending several years as a reporter at a daily newspaper in Southwest Washington. After developing a special focus on recycling policy, they were also the editor of the monthly newsletter Policy Now.

Recycled-content certification for electronics launches

Published: May 17, 2023
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A person using a computer with hand on mouse and keyboard.

The recently launched certification standard, SCS-103A, sets thresholds, ranging from 5% to 50%, for recycled content in various categories of products. | DC Studio/Shutterstock

Environmental and sustainability certifier SCS Global Services launched a recycled-content certification for the electrical and electronic equipment industries that verifies the total percentage of recycled materials in products. Continue Reading

California again considers higher e-scrap payments

Published: May 10, 2023
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Old laptops stacked together for recycling.

CalRecycle is looking to increase compensation to e-scrap recyclers in light of growing overhead expenditures such as fuel and labor. | Dasytnik/Shutterstock

California e-scrap recyclers could see a boost to their state payments under a proposed rate increase motivated by high inflation and other factors. Continue Reading

European body releases right-to-repair proposal

Published: March 29, 2023
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Map of Europe under a magnifying glass.

The European Commission’s ideas for making repair more affordable face opposition from some E.U. member states but enjoy support from activist groups.| Sasirin Pamai/Shutterstock

Europeans may soon have a more consistent right to repair electronics after the European Commission proposed a template for rules promoting the repair of goods.  Continue Reading

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Apple updates recycled metals goals, rolls out tech

Published: April 20, 2023
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Apple’s new overhead projector-based augmented reality systems help humans disassemble products by following along with the projected images. | Photo courtesy of Apple

Apple is pushing to use more recycled metals in its products and deployed a system to make device dismantling easier for recycling contractors. Continue Reading

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SERI releases R2 solar panel recycling standards draft

Published: May 3, 2023
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Solar panels on a residential roof.

SERI will be accepting comments on the draft of its photovoltaic module standards through June 12. | Perthsnap/Shutterstock

With solar panels and alternative energy growing more popular, e-scrap recycling organizations are preparing to handle more of the units at their end of life. Continue Reading

Lithium-ion batteries cause fire at N.C. e-scrap facility

Published: April 26, 2023
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Lithium primary batteries have a reputation for starting fires. | Courtesy of Sims Lifecycle Services

Lithium button cell batteries sparked a small fire at BlueSky Solutions, but an official at the North Carolina e-scrap recycler said workflow changes have been made to prevent future incidents.  Continue Reading

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Washington state lawmakers pass battery EPR bill

Published: April 20, 2023
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The bills cover a wide range of items, from single-use plastics at lodging establishments to blades for wind turbines. | Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock

Washington state legislators sent to the governor’s desk a bill that sets up an extended producer responsibility program for batteries.  Continue Reading

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