Updates to the Basel Convention, an international treaty regulating the trade of various types of end-of-life materials, will come into effect Jan. 1. | Don Bendickson/Shutterstock
With just weeks to go before new e-scrap trading regulations take effect worldwide, companies are feeling cautiously optimistic that trade disruption will be softer than it could have been. Continue Reading
The U.S. expanded export restrictions to China of chip-making equipment and sanctioned 140 companies, the latest moves in a back-and-forth series of export restrictions. | MOLPIX/Shutterstock
As technology trade tensions between China and the U.S. escalate, bans on trading minerals used in producing LED screens, semiconductors, chips and batteries are again putting the recycling sector in the spotlight. Continue Reading
Data center decommissioning, ESG adherence and regulatory compliance are among the trends driving one analyst’s positive outlook for 2025. | Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock
The U.S. IT asset disposition and electronics recycling industries struggled to sustain growth in 2023 because of a dormant market, dominated by lack of demand for used equipment and parts, and hesitation from companies that have refrained from relinquishing their aging assets. Asset procurement on the upstream side and trading in the downstream sector were weak, and as a result, prices fell substantially. Continue Reading
Korea Zinc shareholder Young Poong and private equity firm MBK Partners submitted an unexpected and “uninvited” bid to purchase a majority stake in Korea Zinc in September, which management has been fighting. | Pavel Kapysh/Shutterstock
The power struggle between South Korean smelting company Korea Zinc and a private equity firm that wants to seize control of the company is continuing, with both using press conferences and statements to publicly attack the other’s business decisions. Continue Reading
A new paper in Nature Computational Science examines potential scenarios for AI-related e-scrap generation, which is driven by its data center needs. | Funtap/Shutterstock
As artificial intelligence continues to ramp up, researchers said the computing-heavy tool could lead to skyrocketing volumes of end-of-life electronics and called for equal attention to asset management. Continue Reading
Courtesy of Battery Detection Solutions
Last month, readers were drawn to coverage of an emerging x-ray sorting technology supplier, a CRT processor’s compliance agreement, a major ITAD firm’s analysis of AI opportunities, an interview with the recently appointed RIOS leader, and a data security session at the E-Scrap Conference.
Glencore will refine the recovered copper at its Horne smelter in Quebec and its Canadian refinery. | PitukTV/Shutterstock
Metals and rare earth processor Cyclic Materials will send copper from e-scrap, batteries and electric motors to Canada’s Glencore for refining. Continue Reading
Amazon says it’s using computing equipment for longer and diverting millions of components from landfills. | Amazon Web Services
Amazon’s sustainability efforts have resulted in millions of components being diverted from landfills and in longer useful lifespans for equipment, the company announced on its website earlier this month. Continue Reading