Devices covered by the recently released interpretation include smart TVs, smart watches, fitness trackers and IP-connected home security devices. | Maridav/Shutterstock
A formal interpretation of the R2v3 standard aims to help certified facilities deal with smart devices that pose unique data sanitization challenges.
URT installed a new shredding and separation system at its newly occupied 198,000-square-foot facility in Fort Worth. | Courtesy of Universal Recycling Technologies (URT)
Universal Recycling Technologies has invested nearly $7 million in a processing facility that will greatly expand the company’s commodities recovery and electronics refurbishment capabilities.
iDiskk principals Yue Zou and Lei Zhang agreed to pay a fine after the company improperly disposed of lithium-ion batteries from electronics. | XH2/Shutterstock
Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries led to a $25,000 fine for a California recycling company after the batteries sparked several garbage truck fires.
Phonecheck’s robotic system automates parts of the grading process, speeding it up significantly and eliminating subjectivity. | Courtesy of Phonecheck
A company that provides used phone history reports has formally launched a robot that automatically grades a device’s cosmetic condition, performs diagnostics and erases data.
SERI is working to clarify its R2v3 standard on how to handle data on different kinds of smart devices. | Anastasia Desiana/Shutterstock
This story has been corrected.
It has long been acknowledged in the reuse world that some smart items, such as fitness trackers, are difficult to properly wipe personal data from. One organization is now taking steps to address the problem.
Closed Loop began leasing the Phoenix facilities in 2010, and when it failed in early 2016, it left a combined 106 million pounds of CRT materials on both properties (59th Ave. property pictured). | Courtesy of Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions/ADEQ
Owners of Phoenix warehouses filed a federal lawsuit against e-scrap companies that shipped CRT materials to Closed Loop Refining and Recovery, and already two defendants have agreed to pay out roughly $1 million each.
In 2021, Intel maintained a rate of 5% total material to landfill and put circular strategies in place for 65% of its manufacturing scrap. | jejim/Shutterstock
Intel is trying several angles in pursuit of its goal to send zero waste to landfill, including redesign of circuit boards for easier recycling and educating consumers on how to recycle via a video game.
An October 2022 Google image showing the Bulmahns’ farm at right and the site of the planned Exurban smelter at left behind the trees. | Google Streetview
Owners of a farm across the road from a planned e-scrap smelter in Indiana filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the project, arguing that a facility of its type isn’t allowed by the local zoning code.
KC Recycling is heavily involved in recycling lead batteries, which are roughly 4-5% polypropylene by weight. | Courtesy of KC Recycling
A British Columbia electronics recycling company has struck a supply deal allowing true closed-loop recycling of polypropylene from lead batteries.
Oregon E-Cycles regulators are proposing to add video game consoles and a host of other electronic device types to the state’s extended producer responsibility program. | emodpk/Shutterstock
Oregon regulators are exploring some significant updates to the state’s electronics recycling program, and they recently gave stakeholders a sneak peek at their ideas.