Federal researchers have developed a process that could make lithium-ion battery recycling more economically viable. | Allyson Kitts / Shutterstock
Scientists announce a breakthrough in recovering lithium-ion battery metals, two battery recycling companies merge, and an “AquaRefining” R&D center opens.
Research shows there are nearly 60 electronics processing facilities in Texas, some focusing on refurbishment and reuse exclusively. | penofoto / Shutterstock
A state report examining recycling in Texas found there is ample capacity for e-scrap processing, but collection remains a major challenge.
A public-private partnership will work to create standards that both manufacturers and recycling companies can use. | Janaka Dharmasena/Shutterstock
A U.S. Department of Energy laboratory and an industry association that represents battery manufacturers will collaborate to draft the first recycling standards for lithium-ion batteries.
New research quantifies the e-scrap impact from Bitcoin mining, the energy- and hardware-intensive process of creating new Bitcoins. | Arina P Habich / Shutterstock
Bitcoin mining generates 67.7 million pounds of end-of-life electronics worldwide per year, according to a recent analysis. That’s substantially higher than estimates from just a year ago.
A recent EPA report noted that beyond the immediate health and safety concerns, batteries can create a substantial financial burden for e-scrap companies. | skimin0k / Shutterstock
Federal officials recently examined battery-related fires in a variety of recycling settings, including electronics processing sites. In addition to noting safety concerns, the analysis determined that batteries “jeopardize the economics of the electronics recycling industry.”
Only 11 of 131 study respondents said they didn’t try to remove any personal data before disposing of a device. | Neirfy / Shutterstock
Consumers are overwhelmingly concerned about their personal data, and most of them try to delete it before selling or recycling their devices, according to new research.
In e-scrap processing facilities, the report recommends specific staff training to identify and properly handle batteries, and more. | TnkImages / Shutterstock
After charting a global increase in e-scrap facility fires caused by damaged batteries, experts published a handful of key recommendations for preventing thermal events.
Researchers pointed to targeted subsidies and higher penalties for fraud as things that could potentially solve the problem of dishonest recycling. | Gwoeii / Shutterstock
Cost is the main factor contributing to fraudulent recycling activities, researchers recently reported. They say improving the financial equation for e-scrap processors and raising the penalties for bad actors could reduce negative practices.
A United Nations University study found e-scrap generation fell during the pandemic, but the decrease varied by region. | chistoprudov dmitriy / Shutterstock
COVID-19 caused global consumption of electronics and electrical appliances to fall by about 6.4%, which likely means the planet will witness a dip in e-scrap generation, according to new report estimates.
A White House report emphasizes the importance of recycling in supplying the country with rare earth elements. | kazu326 / Shutterstock
The federal government should encourage design for recyclability in consumer electronics and support technologies that recover rare earth magnets from hard drives, according to a report from the Biden administration.