URT, one of the few companies that continues to process CRT devices, was cited in 2023 and 2024 for workplace safety issues partially due to lead and cadmium exposure. | Underworld/Shutterstock
ITAD and cathode ray tube device processor Universal Recycling Technologies announced that its e-Stewards certification will be suspended for 30 days, following an OSHA fine over worker exposure to lead and cadmium. Continue Reading
The updated Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool program criteria focuses on environmental and human rights requirements, such as transparent supply chains. | Chayanuphol/Shutterstock
The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool program rolled out new criteria for sustainable electronics, increasing focus on environmental and human rights requirements. Continue Reading
Shannon Fertitta was appointed executive director of the Global Recycling Standards Organization in September. | Photo courtesy RIOS
After years of interacting with the Recycling Industry Operating Standard as a manager at a RIOS-certified recycling firm, Shannon Fertitta was recently appointed executive director of the group that administers RIOS. Continue Reading
Although data breaches often place ITAD clients in a poor light, firms have a duty to protect their own reputations as well as those of their clients, panelists said. | Big Wave Productions/Resource Recycling
High-profile data breaches have highlighted the perils of ITAD, and until multiple companies are “put in the penalty box,” it will keep happening, industry experts said during a panel at the 2024 E-Scrap Conference. Continue Reading
Attendees chat during the E-Scrap Conference in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Big Wave Production / Resource Recycling
Around 950 attendees came to Orlando, Florida, to take in exhibitor booths, sessions on the latest industry trends and laws, and workshops on certification standards at the 2024 E-Scrap Conference – but also to mourn the sudden loss of e-scrap veteran Billy Johnson just before the show. Continue Reading
The EU will roll out Digital Product Passports in 2027, to provide a clear accounting of the life cycle of batteries and eventually many other items. | Giannis Papanikos/Shutterstock
Although the European Union is still several years away from implementing its inaugural Digital Product Passport regulations, e-scrap market participants who do business with Europe are preparing for this new phase in sustainability regulations.
SERI recently opened up its new certification process for photovoltaic panels. | Heinz Trebuth/Shutterstock
Solar panel recyclers can now achieve a specific SERI certification, under the newly added Appendix G for photovoltaic modules. Continue Reading
Whistleblowers are invited to report a variety of poor recycling practices in the e-scrap industry. | GaudiLab/Shutterstock
The Basel Action Network this week rolled out a confidential reporting website seeking to make it easier for observers to report poor e-scrap management practices, such as questionable exports of devices and e-plastics, data security lapses and problematic storage or disposal. Continue Reading
CTIA’s voluntary wireless industry device grading standard was established in 2019 and is now aligned with SERI’s standard. | Valeri Luzina/Shutterstock
Repair shops that handle wireless devices will have a more straightforward time classifying devices after the wireless industry association aligned its grading standard with SERI’s standard. Continue Reading
Sustainable Electronics Recycling International’s survey received 55 responses over two and a half weeks representing 214 facilities worldwide. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling
A recently published survey of e-scrap companies in the U.S. and abroad offered a look at how many operators are handling plastics recovered from devices. It also provided insights on why a domestic e-plastics processing industry has yet to develop. Continue Reading