In the US, ESG remains politically charged, but internationally it is a condition of doing business. | Sasirin Pamai / Shutterstock
The European Union’s sustainability agenda remains the most far-reaching globally, but as of late 2025 it has entered a phase of recalibration and political compromise. Continue Reading
At the E-Scrap Conference, e-Stewards and Bloom ESG urged ITAD companies to start ESG reporting now, track carbon metrics and use new tools to show avoided emissions. | Big Wave Productions
In a workshop at this year’s E-Scrap Conference in Grapevine, Texas, e-Stewards and Bloom ESG walked IT asset disposition operators through the basics of ESG reporting, greenhouse gas accounting and avoided emissions, then showed how a pair of software tools can turn that data into customer-ready narratives. Continue Reading
At the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse workshop, state and industry voices backed a shift from weight targets to practical convenience rules, with Oregon’s 2026 dual PRO model emerging as a key test statewide. | Photo by Big Wave Productions
State and industry leaders at the 2025 E-Scrap Conference signaled growing support for moving electronics recycling programs away from weight-based targets and toward practical convenience standards, reflecting aging state laws, lighter devices and uneven access across large regions. Continue Reading
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