The Open Markets Institute recently called on the federal government to ensure consumers have the parts, tools, information and software necessary to repair their products. | Diana Memetova/Shutterstock
A Washington, D.C.-based think tank has joined stakeholders calling for regulators to use antitrust powers to bolster the independent electronics repair industry.
The electronics recovery business is escaping widespread regulations that are closing companies in other fields. | Mikhail Starodubov/Shutterstock
E-scrap and ITAD operations are largely falling into the category of essential services amid the coronavirus pandemic. Although that doesn’t mean smooth sailing, it allows recycling facilities to stay open alongside other critical industries.
View of staging area for pallets of batteries at Battery and Electronics Recycling Inc. | Courtesy of U.S. E.P.A.
Because of the coronavirus, federal officials have suspended the cleanup of a former battery and e-scrap recycling facility in Wisconsin.
EPA alleged AERC was out of compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs hazardous waste management. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
An e-scrap company must pay a $10,000 fine and hold one or more collection events costing $40,000, as part of a settlement with regulators.
A European Commission plan calls for right-to-repair measures to be introduced by 2021. | Poravute Siriphiroon/Shutterstock
European lawmakers this week committed to enshrine greater device repairability in law, with their adoption of a Circular Economy Action Plan.
An industry group cites experts in noting that e-waste export policy is key to stopping counterfeit electronic parts and protecting military readiness. | ThamKC/Shutterstock
A group supporting legislation to limit overseas shipments of untested used devices praised recent U.S. government action to combat the trade of counterfeit electronics. But it also noted more can be done on the export front.
A recent presentation offered some tips on how best to ensure compliance with the law when shipping lithium-ion batteries. | XH2/Shutterstock
Batteries from consumer electronics are being increasingly regulated because they can be a problematic material in the recycling stream. Experts recently laid out federal rules for transporting lithium-ion batteries destined for recycling or disposal.
The resolution was approved by lawmakers on a vote of 582 to 40. | PP Photos/Shutterstock
European lawmakers voted to require a single charger for all mobile devices. They framed the move as a way to reduce e-scrap generation.
In Olympia, Wash., right-to-repair proponents and opponents testified during a Jan. 21 hearing in front of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee. | jfergusonphotos/Shutterstock
Electronics repair stakeholders clashed over right-to-repair legislation in Washington state this week, as a number of state legislatures begin taking up similar bills.