The World Health Organization’s report noted more than 1,000 harmful substances can be released during informal processing of e-scrap. | Chaikom / Shutterstock
The World Health Organization recently examined the health risks associated with informal e-scrap processing, particularly the dangers for children and expecting mothers. The report calls for “binding action” by e-scrap exporters and other stakeholders to ensure proper management.
E-scrap related announcements have come in from around the globe recently. | Jim Barber / Shutterstock
A Middle Eastern e-scrap processor lands an OEM deal, Dutch company Closing the Loop is anticipating a profitable year, and Singapore’s extended producer responsibility program comes on-line.
Clockwise from upper left: Craig Boswell of HOBI International, Adina Renee Adler of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Russ Ernst of Blancco and Walter Alcorn of the Consumer Technology Association.
Pandemic-spurred spending might mean more electronics entering the recycling stream, but any boost may prove a temporary exception to a long-term downward trend, one expert said during a recent presentation.
From January through March of this year, U.S. companies exported 120 million pounds of mixed plastics. | Rich Lonardo / Shutterstock
U.S. shipments of mixed plastic, a category that includes plastics recovered from electronic devices, jumped in the first quarter. Nearly two-thirds of the plastic went to Canada.
Backers of a global e-scrap recycling standard effort say it can help ensure high-quality end-of-life treatment processes. | science photo / Shutterstock
The International Electrotechnical Commission in recent months launched a process to create a worldwide e-scrap management standard.
The Biden-Harris EPA budget proposal allocates $10 million for a pilot grant program to advance innovation in the recycling industry. | DanielJohn / Shutterstock
The Biden-Harris administration requested $11.2 billion for the U.S. EPA for 2022, and the agency proposes to slightly increase funding to the EPA’s Waste Minimization and Recycling Program.
Each year, CalRecycle staff determine whether they need to raise, lower or maintain the fees consumers pay to fund the state’s electronics recycling program. | Somchai Som / Shutterstock
California officials say they will have enough money to continue running the state’s e-scrap recycling program without hiking fees.
Adding solar panels to the R2 standard could take two or more years. | Perthsnap / Shutterstock
A committee at Sustainable Electronics Recycling International gave the green light to move forward with adding solar panels to the R2 certification standard.