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Plastics processor debuts PS, ABS resins from e-plastics

Published: February 6, 2025
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Plastic Recycling, Inc. has invested a total of $17 million of dollars into extrusion lines and labs to create recycled ABS and PS compounds from e-plastics. | Courtesy of Plastic Recycling Inc.

Midwest-based Plastic Recycling, Inc. is looking to provide compounds for OEMs and automotive manufacturers that fit a wide range of specifications and just happen to be made from e-scrap.  Continue Reading

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Right-to-repair momentum continues in 2025

Published: February 6, 2025
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Looking across all product categories, right-to-repair legislation has been introduced in 49 out of 50 states in the past few years. | maxfrost/Shutterstock

The momentum behind consumer electronics right-to-repair bills that has been building since 2021 doesn’t seem to be ebbing, with 10 bills introduced so far this year and supporters anticipating far more to come. 

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Rare earth processor lands $5.1M in Defense funds

Published: January 30, 2025
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U.S.-based REEcycle includes a skid mounted drive disassembly system in its arsenal of tools for recovery rare earth elements from magnets. | Courtesy of REEcycle

Rare earth element recycler REEcycle received a $5.1 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense to advance its work in extracting elements critical to neodymium-iron-boron magnets — the key building blocks of renewable energy and national defense technologies.  Continue Reading

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Total Reclaim fined for battery processing line

Published: January 30, 2025
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State regulators described permit and documentation issues related to an alkaline battery processing line. | Kinek00/Shutterstock

Washington state regulators this month announced an enforcement action against longtime processor Total Reclaim, stemming from battery processing violations observed during a 2023 inspection. Continue Reading

ITAD market stabilizes after four-year struggle

Published: January 30, 2025
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Cascade Asset Management facility in Orlando, Fla.

Cascade described a year of relative stability and continued return to normalcy in the IT asset disposition market. | Courtesy of Cascade Asset Management

An annual industry overview from Cascade Asset Management found resale values have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, and a majority of surveyed IT asset managers plan to maintain or ramp up technology spending in the coming year. That suggests plenty of incoming ITAD demand. Continue Reading

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Policy Roundup: Batteries, right to repair are hot topics

Published: January 23, 2025
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A pile of iPhone lithium-ion batteries for recycling.

More than 20 bills concerning electronics recycling so far have been introduced in 14 states for the 2025 legislative session. | Parilov/Shutterstock

Legislators have been filing bills all month as the 2025 session starts up, and in the e-scrap realm, two main topics are again at the forefront: extended producer responsibility for batteries and the right to repair consumer electronics. 

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OECD nations announce individual Basel decisions

Published: January 23, 2025
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Discarded circuit boards gathered for recycling.

The 38 members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development were required to report by Jan. 15 on how they’ll interpret the most recent Basel Convention amendment. | Sebastien Coell / ShutterStock

Countries within the OECD have announced how they’ll each enforce new Basel Convention rules. As was foreshadowed by their previous failure to agree on uniform enforcement among all members, there is a fair amount of variance by nation.

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CDC offers tips to avoid e-scrap mercury exposure

Published: January 16, 2025
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A site investigation found mercury vapor from lamp recycling throughout an Ohio facility, including administrative offices. | BOONJAEM/Shutterstock

A recent report from a U.S. occupational safety unit found significant levels of mercury vapor throughout an Ohio e-scrap and lamp recycling facility, leading the team to provide recommendations for protecting worker health. Continue Reading

Malaysia eyes improvements to e-scrap import procedures

Published: January 16, 2025
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Cargo containers stacked at a shipping terminal.

After allegations of illegal e-scrap imports, Malaysia’s Department of Environment announced it would improve standard operating procedures and oversight. | Mayday6510/Shutterstock

On the heels of high-profile illegal e-scrap import claims and updates to the Basel Convention, Malaysian officials said they would be tightening operating procedures.   Continue Reading