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Tag Archives: research

Experts talk impact of material exports to Africa

Published: February 11, 2021
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Map with a pin in Ghana.

Researchers delved into the question of exactly what is actually happening on the ground with electronics shipments to Africa. | Wead/Shutterstock

During a recent panel discussion, an e-scrap researcher and a journalist described the consequences of exporting electronics to developing nations. They also discussed how much of that material is reusable and how much is truly waste.

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Cascade survey shows pandemic’s ITAD impact

Published: January 21, 2021
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Home office scene with laptop, webcam and headphones.

In the survey, 40% of Cascade’s clients indicated they slightly or greatly reduced their IT equipment disposal activities in 2020. | Vorontsova Alena/Shutterstock

The coronavirus forced many organizations to sideline IT refresh projects in 2020, but enterprise representatives say they expect to get back into the asset disposition game in 2021.

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Mapping out the recycling firms that received PPP funds

Published: December 17, 2020
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Signing a business check.

The Small Business Administration recently disclosed detailed information on all recipients of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds through Nov. 24, 2020. | NIKCOA/Shutterstock

The federal government has released details on all Paycheck Protection Program loan recipients, allowing E-Scrap News to chart the money’s impact on the electronics recycling industry.

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E-scrap generation on the decline, study finds

Published: December 10, 2020
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Various electronics gathered for recycling.

E-scrap generation, by weight, is down by almost 10% compared with its peak in 2015. | DAMRONG RATTANAPONG/Shutterstock

The weight of electronics entering the recycling stream has dropped consistently since hitting its peak in 2015, according to new research. The shift has implications for device processing and policy development.

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Survey probes COVID-19 e-scrap impact on enterprises

Published: November 19, 2020
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Hands at work on a laptop.

Most enterprises say they’ve purchased laptops because of the pandemic, and most plan to resell the devices when they’re no longer needed. | Alex Ruhl/Shutterstock

Nearly half of large organizations have created job positions related to managing scrap electronics generated during the pandemic, according to a survey.
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E-scrap recycling rate increased in 2018

Published: November 19, 2020
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Obsolete electronics gathered for recycling.

Figures show a modest increase in recovery and a decrease in generation were responsible for the recycling rate increase. | penofoto/Shutterstock

After declining for multiple years and then remaining flat, the U.S. electronics recycling rate inched back up in 2018, according to new figures from the U.S. EPA.

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Flexible circuit board separates in recycling solution

Published: November 19, 2020
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Scientist holds a beaker with solution in a lab.

Research into a self-healable, recyclable PCB material was published in Science Advances. | totojang1977/Shutterstock

Researchers at the University of Colorado have developed a thin circuit board material, designed for wearable devices, that’s easy to recycle at its end of life.

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Mobile-shred workers uniquely vulnerable to toxic metals

Published: September 17, 2020
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E-scrap piled for recycling

Researchers found that mobile shredding of hard drives and other small electronics exposes workers to airborne and surface metals dust, as is the case with in-plant shredding. | Huguette Roe/Shutterstock

Researchers have discovered that shredding e-scrap materials in trucks may expose employees to as much toxic metal dust as in-plant shredding, but mobile workers may not be as protected as their plant-based counterparts.

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Rare earth recycler draws $28 million in federal funding

Published: September 11, 2020
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Urban Mining Company building exterior

Urban Mining Co. operates a magnet recovery facility just south of Austin. | Courtesy of Urban Mining Co.

Urban Mining Co., which uses an innovative process to recycle rare earth magnets, has received financial backing as part of the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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