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Category: Top stories

Diversion Dynamics: Vape recycling needs policy to reach full charge

Published: October 23, 2025
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While legislators enact bans that aim to reduce vape waste, manufacturers are creating loopholes around the sale of disposable devices. | B.Robinson/Shutterstock

Editor’s Note: Diversion Dynamics is a monthly column exploring partnerships and policy that drive recycling.

I recently connected with Michael Duckworth, founder of Positive Energy Environmental Solutions, via video conference. Duckworth established the vape recycling company in 2023 after identifying a critical infrastructure gap for vape recycling in Nebraska and nationwide. Continue Reading

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Analysis: circular design still elusive in laptops

Published: October 23, 2025
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Many 2025 devices incorporate recycled metals and bio‑based finishes, but internal construction decisions such as soldered memory and layered adhesives still limit recoverability. | Eric Glenn/Shutterstock

As the latest generation of laptops reaches the desks of students and professionals, a closer look beneath the surface reveals a tension between sustainability aspirations and end‑of‑life reality.

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BAN report links brokers to surge in US e-scrap exports

Published: October 22, 2025
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Cargo stacked in a shipping hub.

A Basel Action Network study links US e-scrap brokers to large exports into Asia and urges regulators, auditors and lawmakers to close oversight gaps. | Nattanan726/Shutterstock

Nonprofit organization Basel Action Network released a report attributing surging US e-scrap exports to Southeast Asia to brokers posing as recyclers but acting mainly as shippers, a “hidden tsunami” the group says should trigger regulatory and certification reviews.
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How mergers and acquisitions are rewiring the ITAD industry

Published: October 16, 2025
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Monitors collected for recycling.

Over the past two years, the face of sustainability and IT asset disposition finance has evolved dramatically. | Koy Hipster / Shutterstock 

On Tuesday, October 28, the Plenary Session of E-Scrap Conference will address “How Mergers and Acquisitions are Reshaping the ITAD Sector.”  The discussion will be timely and important because the ITAD and electronics recycling sectors are being propelled by a fast-expanding universe of active capital. Continue Reading

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Data sanitization helps reduce premature device destruction

Published: October 16, 2025
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Regulations, AI and sustainability targets are shaping enterprise data disposition, but almost half of electronics are being destroyed when other options exist. | Merry Reveler / Shutterstock

Editor’s note: Learn more at the “Cybersecurity in ITAD: Insights from Law Enforcement, Insurance and Industry” panel during the 2025 E-Scrap Conference Oct. 27-29 in Grapevine, Texas.

Key Takeaways

  • Compliance, sustainability targets driving data security demands
  • Nearly half of end-of-life devices are unnecessarily destroyed
  • Data explosion and device upgrades are accelerating device turnover

Emerging compliance and sustainability requirements as well as the exponential growth of data generated by artificial intelligence are driving home the role of responsible data destruction, according to an executive from data-erasure firm Blancco.

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Assurant acquires OptoFidelity to speed repair and reuse work

Published: October 16, 2025
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Assurant bought OptoFidelity’s mobile device test automation portfolio to boost throughput, speed refurbishment and support reuse programs across its Device Care Centers. | Courtesy OptoFidelity

Assurant has expanded its automation toolkit with the acquisition of OptoFidelity’s mobile device testing portfolio, a move the company said will accelerate diagnostics and raise refurbishment capacity across its global Device Care Centers.

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Metallium looks to long-term contract with Glencore

Published: October 8, 2025
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A memorandum of understanding between the two companies sets up the potential for long-term e-scrap supply and recovered metals offtake. | Photo courtesy Glencore Canada

The US subsidiary of Australia’s Metallium signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with metals and mining giant Glencore to explore a long-term agreement for e-scrap feedstock supply and recovered metals offtake.
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Analysis: DOE takes equity stake in Lithium Americas deal

Published: October 8, 2025
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Lithium Americas Corp. is the developer of Nevada’s Thacker Pass project. | Photo courtesy Lithium Americas Corp.

The US Department of Energy is redefining its approach to industrial investment through a revised agreement with Lithium Americas Corporation, the Canada- and Nevada-based developer of the Thacker Pass lithium project. 

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Aurubis steps up recycling investments in US, EU

Published: October 8, 2025
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Aurubis expands its global recycling footprint with a new copper smelter in Georgia and fresh EIB financing in Europe, underscoring the race to secure secondary metal supplies. | Photo courtesy Aurubis Richmond

Aurubis, the Germany-based nonferrous metals giant, is deepening its push into recycling and copper production with a series of major moves on both sides of the Atlantic. The company’s growth strategy illustrates a broader trend of stakeholders locking in access to recycled feedstock, as regulatory and customer requirements intensify.  

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URT closes New Hampshire site, shifts work west

Published: October 2, 2025
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Universal Recycling Technologies closed its Dover site consolidating CRT work in Wisconsin and focusing on growth in the Midwest, West. | Somchai Som / Shutterstock

Universal Recycling Technologies (URT) has closed its Dover, New Hampshire facility and is consolidating work into its other plants, a decision company leaders described as a strategic refocus rather than a retreat from the region. Continue Reading

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