European metals refining company Boliden consumed its lowest quantity of scrap circuit boards in nearly a decade last year. | haraldmuc/Shutterstock
For major e-scrap smelting companies, the turbulence of 2020 brought pandemic-driven supply disruptions as well as pricing spikes for key metals.
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is an international treaty governing how waste is moved around the world. | phil berry/Shutterstock
The Basel Convention has published multiple proposals that would restrict U.S. exports of scrap electronics. The changes will be considered at a meeting this summer.
Researchers delved into the question of exactly what is actually happening on the ground with electronics shipments to Africa. | Wead/Shutterstock
During a recent panel discussion, an e-scrap researcher and a journalist described the consequences of exporting electronics to developing nations. They also discussed how much of that material is reusable and how much is truly waste.
Ontario e-scrap firm eCycle Solutions recently announced it acquired GreenGo Recycling Depot, a metals recycling company. | kan_chana/Shutterstock
The purchase of a metals and e-scrap company will help eCycle Solutions boost its scrap electronics collection in Ontario.
BoMET is one of a number of North American companies that saw that opportunity and are investing to expand their e-plastics processing capacity. | Courtesy of BoMET Polymer Solutions
BoMET Polymer Solutions is actively sourcing e-plastics from electronics recycling firms for the company’s Ontario processing facility, where it produces pellets and regrind for sale to manufacturers.
The 30,000-square-foot ITAD facility in eastern Pennsylvania is one of ATR’s largest. | Courtesy of Advanced Technology Recycling
Advanced Technology Recycling is continuing its nationwide expansion with a location in Allentown, Pa.
Silver is a key metal for e-scrap recovery firms. | Arkadiusz Komski/Shutterstock
Silver prices increased sharply over the past week, and financial analysts anticipate they will remain elevated in the near future.
Veterans Alliance Resourcing is moving from a 4,000-square-foot facility near Dallas to a 5,000-square-foot space in Manor, a suburb of Austin. | Courtesy of VAR.
Strong demand for used electronics is helping to drive growth for a reuse-focused Texas processor.
With fewer available drivers comes less available trucking supply, leading to higher prices and potential disruptions in trucking availability for those in the recycling industry. | Vitpho/Shutterstock
A driver shortage that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to create challenges for moving used electronics and other recovered materials this year, analysts say.
Plastic Recycling, Inc. is the latest company to open North American capacity for e-plastics. | Courtesy of PRI
Indianapolis-based Plastic Recycling, Inc. has expanded with a project that underscores the opportunities and complexities in recycling plastics from scrap electronics.