Industry experts noted that policy initiatives and certification standards are propelling the sector forward despite loopholes and challenges. | Photo by Big Wave Productions
The opening plenary at the E-Scrap Conference in Grapevine, Texas set out five forces that are reshaping electronics recovery: rapid device change, battery risk, compliance pressure, policy updates and AI-driven data centers. Continue Reading
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.
Cleanup efforts have been initiated in Moss Landing, California, where a thermal runaway incident destroyed a Vistra facility in January. | Photo courtesy of EPA
As lithium-ion battery fires increasingly threaten recycling facilities and landfills nationwide, the US EPA is preparing to undertake its largest lithium-battery remediation efforts to date.
Lifecycle Innovations, out of Wisconsin, and current Oregon PRO MRM laid out plans for the program, which now can accommodate more than one administrating organization. | PIYAWAT WONGOPASS/Shutterstock
This story has been corrected.
Two prospective producer responsibility organizations (PROs) have submitted bids to manage Oregon’s revamped E-Cycles program, which will launch Jan. 1, 2026. Continue Reading
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, a proponent of greater rare earth recovery through electronics recycling, takes notes during a July 16 U.S. House hearing discussing improvements to the recycling industry. | Photo courtesy U.S. House of Representatives
During a Congressional hearing last week, lawmakers expressed enthusiasm for bolstering the U.S. electronics recycling industry as one tool in strengthening the nation’s critical minerals supply lines. Continue Reading
As of July 1, manufacturers must notify California retailers selling certain devices that they are subject to a recycling fee. | Vietnam Stock Photos/Shutterstock
As of July 1, manufacturers of covered battery-embedded products must comply with new requirements in California, as part of the state’s expansion of its long-running e-scrap program. Continue Reading
Electronics recycling workers collect devices at an E-Cycle Wisconsin collection event in June 2022. | Photo by David Nevala / Courtesy of Wisconsin DNR
All 72 Wisconsin counties had at least one registered collection site or event for end-of-life electronics in 2024, according to the state’s most recent E-Cycle program report. Continue Reading
An initiative by the Basel Action Network helped stop illegal e-scrap imports in Southeast Asia, the organization said. | Photo by EARTH Thailand / Provided courtesy of BAN
Officials in Malaysia and Thailand seized containers with hundreds of tons of e-scrap illegally imported from the United States earlier this month after tips from the U.S. nonprofit Basel Action Network. Continue Reading
An April 30 Defense memo echoes recent congressional efforts to allow the military to repair its own equipment, which helps reduce costs. | Bumble Dee/Shutterstock
As part of a broader initiative to increase efficiency, the U.S. secretary of defense has called for the Army to include the right to repair products in its procurement contracts, adding support to previous congressional efforts. Continue Reading
The Secure E-waste Export and Recycling Act has been introduced at least six times since 2015, as well as included in other bills, but has not yet passed. | MOLPIX/Shutterstock
A federal bill that would restrict U.S. exports of e-scrap has re-emerged, this time as HB 2998. Continue Reading