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.
The World Health Organization’s report noted more than 1,000 harmful substances can be released during informal processing of e-scrap. | Chaikom / Shutterstock
The World Health Organization recently examined the health risks associated with informal e-scrap processing, particularly the dangers for children and expecting mothers. The report calls for “binding action” by e-scrap exporters and other stakeholders to ensure proper management.
Companies are graded on a scale of 1 to 10 for each attribute, with 10 being extraordinary and 1 being extremely poor. | Thapana Onphalai / Shutterstock
Research firm Compliance Standards this week began publishing company ratings based on customer reviews of the biggest ITAD players in the marketplace. The organization will release multiple reviews per week through the end of August.
Electronics recycling and repair advocates provided comments to the EPA as the agency considers changing what counts toward the national recycling rate. | Photographee.eu / Shutterstock
If electronics are repaired, refurbished or remanufactured, should their weight be counted in the U.S. recycling rate?
The authors are requesting audience feedback on education materials they’ve created on best practices for handling polychlorinated biphenyls. | tonyz20/Shutterstock