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From trash to treasure: How old electronics are powering america’s rare earth comeback

Published: October 24, 2025
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Photo courtesy of Cirba

This article appeared in the 2025 issue of E-Scrap News. Subscribe today for access to all print content.

Increased interest in securing domestic supplies of critical minerals is resulting in a recent wave of innovative projects across the US, turning old electronics into a new source of rare earth elements (REE). Continue Reading

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EU recyclers make case for solvent-based methods

Published: October 23, 2025
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Pile of mixed power cords.

Dissolution recycling processes can provide effective separation of flame retardants, metals and more from e-plastics. | Damrong Rattanapong/Shutterstock

Industry association Plastics Recyclers Europe is looking to raise the profile of dissolution recycling, an often-overlooked process that doesn’t quite fit into common recycling categories and is capable of processing a wide variety of hard-to-recycle materials including e-plastics. 

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Analysis: copper set for new investment, recycling growth

Published: October 23, 2025
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Close up of copper wire scrap.

For electronics recyclers, the inclusion of copper as a US critical mineral means circuit boards and wiring looms are shifting from waste streams into high‑value commodities. | Flegere/Shutterstock

When copper was added to the US Geological Survey’s proposed list of critical minerals in August, the move signaled a strategic policy shift extending beyond mining and toward formally confirming its geopolitical significance. 

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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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