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Tag Archives: regulation/oversight

E-Scrap Conference 2025 ignites industry momentum

Published: October 29, 2025
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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

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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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US EPA begins largest lithium-ion battery cleanup effort

Published: October 8, 2025
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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.

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Two prospective PROs bid for Oregon e-scrap program

Published: July 31, 2025
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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

Lawmakers focus on electronics recycling potential

Published: July 24, 2025
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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

CA starts OEM requirements for battery-containing devices

Published: July 3, 2025
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Li-ion batteries collected for recycling

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

Wisconsin E-Cycle report reflects increasing access

Published: June 18, 2025
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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

Illegal e-scrap imports blocked in Malaysia, Thailand

Published: May 29, 2025
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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

Right-to-repair initiative in military gains momentum

Published: May 22, 2025
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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

Federal e-scrap export restriction bill introduced again

Published: May 22, 2025
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Export / MOLPIX, Shutterstock

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