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Category: News

E-Scrap News magazine is the premier trade journal for electronics recycling and refurbishment experts. It offers updates on the latest equipment and technology, details trends in electronics recycling legislation, highlights the work of innovative processors, and covers all the other critical industry news.

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US rare earth recycling scales up amid trade tensions

Published: April 24, 2025
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Scrap hard drives for recycling.

Hard drives provide one source of rare earth elements in the end-of-life electronics stream. | Kazu326/Shutterstock

As rare earth elements draw mainstream headlines for their entanglement in the U.S.-China trade war, recent announcements from an ITAD operator, an OEM and a magnet processor indicate the domestic end-of-life device stream is increasingly providing feedstock for rare earth end users. Continue Reading

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Solar EPR delay signed, right to repair poised to pass in WA

Published: April 24, 2025
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Gov. Bob Ferguson has 20 days to sign the bills into law after they are delivered to his desk. | Zack Frank/Shutterstock

A right-to-repair electronics bill is sitting on the Washington governor’s desk, while a bill that would again delay the state’s extended producer responsibility program for solar panels is now law. Continue Reading

Back Market, iFixit partner to advocate for repair access

Published: April 17, 2025
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Back Market and iFixit announced a broad partnership that will see each integrate the other’s product offerings, as well as direct advocacy on right-to-repair legislation. | Courtesy of Back Market

Two big names in the electronics repair and refurbishment space are partnering up to influence consumer and manufacturer behavior and create a world where circularity is the default.  Continue Reading

Tariff whirlwind continues with delays, exemptions

Published: April 17, 2025
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Smartphones and laptops are exempt from U.S. tariffs targeting Chinese imports, but other goods are currently subject to 145% in duties. | Metamorworks/Shutterstock

Country-specific reciprocal tariffs have been pushed out until July, but a universal base rate tariff rolled out last week, which covers all countries, and earlier metals tariffs remain in effect. Meanwhile, an all-out trade war between the U.S. and China is intensifying. Continue Reading

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In My Opinion: From hazard to resource: Battery recycling technology

Published: April 17, 2025
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EV battery pack.

Kyle D’Silva, director of clean energy for analytical instruments at Thermo Fisher Scientific, highlights new technologies the battery recycling sector could benefit from. | Sergii Chernov/Shutterstock

The global demand for lithium-ion batteries is growing exponentially, fueled by the rise of electric vehicles, consumer electronics and renewable energy storage solutions, meaning recycling systems need to employ new technologies to keep pace. Continue Reading

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Device supplier acquires ITAD company

Published: April 17, 2025
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Company leaders said CTL’s acquisition of 3R Technology will open up new growth opportunities for both companies. | Loocmill/Shutterstock

CTL Corporation, an Oregon-headquartered cloud-computing company with a focus on education and enterprise, acquired ITAD firm 3R Technology in a move to create a one-stop shop for clients of both companies.  Continue Reading

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Critical mineral order calls for recycling incentives

Published: April 17, 2025
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Neodymium-RHJPhtotoandilustration-Shutterstock

China dominates the global production of rare earth elements, and the U.S. wants to find ways to change that. | RHJ Photo and Illustration/Shutterstock

The White House this week issued an executive order directing the Department of Commerce to explore the effects of critical mineral imports on national security. Among other points, it calls for the agency to explore policies boosting recycling of minerals like cobalt, nickel, aluminum and palladium, as well as the 17 rare earth elements. Continue Reading

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